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UK: Weaknesses in foreign language skills have been exacerbated since...

... the requirement to take a language at GCSE level was ended in 2004, 76% of employers are not satisfied with the level of these skills among young people

Only 27% of businesses say they have no need for foreign language skills. Languages are particularly important in sectors such as manufacturing and banking, finance and insurance, reflecting the globalisation of these organisations. The greatest single demand for these skills is in building relationships overseas, cited by 21% of companies. The core European languages are still most in demand from employers – French (61%), German (52%) and Spanish (40%), followed by Polish (29%) and Mandarin (23%).
A full copy of the CBI / EDI Education & Skills survey 2011 can be found here.