Employers have been asked to engage with the funding and design of university programmes as part of new Government frameworks.

The Government has launched a new framework to outline the role universities will play in securing economic recovery and long-term prosperity and business secretary Lord Mandelson set out guidelines as to how universities could make greater contributions to the economy and strengthen their research capacity.

The measures include more competition between universities to develop more high-level skills among students and businesses becoming more engaged with the funding and design of university programmes, in sponsoring students and offering work placements.

Universities are also encouraged to consider contextual data in admissions so more young people have access to higher education if they have the ability.

Mandelson said: "We will look to business to be more active partners with our universities than ever before."