The UK creative industries sector has huge growth potential and will be a key driver of economic recovery, but risks being held back by a lack of relevant skills, according to the CBI.

A report published yesterdy by the business group reports the creative industries sector is expected to employ 1.3 million people by 2013, potentially making it larger than financial services. But it warns in order for the sector to meet its potential, urgent action is needed to train people to the required skills levels.

Susan Anderson, CBI director for education and skills, said: "Our creative industries have huge growth potential, but the lack of trained people with relevant skills to meet the sector's specialist demands is holding it back.

"First and foremost we must ensure that all young people leave school with a strong grasp of the basics. Solid maths and science ability is particularly vital. "These companies also expect a more detailed knowledge of IT and benefit from people with broader creative skills, so the Government must adapt the curriculum to meet these needs."

The CBI's recommendations for improving skills at school and college include the Department for Education (DfE):

• Ensuring that all young people continue studying maths post-16 at a level appropriate to them
• Introducing an automatic opt-in to triple science GCSE for the most able pupils · Supporting the introduction of higher level computer programming and software development courses
• Including a creative or technical subject within the specification of the English Baccalaureate such as design and technology, computer studies, music, art and design or drama
• Along with employers jointly promoting best practice on business-school collaboration - for example with increased support for the work of Education and Employers Taskforce.