Lucy Powell MP Labour’s Shadow Secretary of State for Education, responding to the British Chambers of Commerce Business Education Survey said: 

“Labour recognises the importance of work experience for 14-16 year-olds to help equip young people with the skills they need to succeed in the world of work.

“This survey is yet more evidence that David Cameron’s education policy is seriously limiting opportunities for the next generation.

“Hundreds of thousands of young people are still unemployed, yet the Tories have downgraded careers advice in schools, scrapped work experience and neglected vocational education, 

“The Government must now urgently break down the barriers between schools and businesses to support young people to develop the skills and experiences they need for the workplace and tackle the skills gap that is holding Britain back.”