A report from the Recruitment and Employment Confederation (REC) shows a massive 92% of recruiters rated the performance of school leavers as ‘average' or ‘below average'.
More than half (56%) do not think school leavers' basic literacy and numeracy skills are up to scratch and almost three quarters (73%) do not think recruits from schools have the proper attitude towards work.
The statistics come days before the A-level results are released.
Tom Hadley, director of external affairs at the REC, said: "At a time when the Government is focusing on getting more people into the workplace, we need to ensure that school leavers are prepared to kick-start their career."
He added: "Employers and government should work more closely to improve the employability of school leavers and improve the career advice available to pupils."
Most school leavers are not employable
The education system is not equipping school leavers with the skills to succeed at work.
