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Science and engineering graduates are getting too low in numbers, the Confederation of British Industry has warned.
Richard Lambert, who is the director general of the confederation, yesterday congratulated students on their A-Level achievements as results were published.
But at the same time he told those who had obtained A-levels in physics, chemistry and maths that there is a growing shortage of graduates in science and chemistry.
The results yesterday showed that 27,466 students studied physics A-level, up a marginal 0.4 per cent compared with last year.
Overall though the qualification has seen a decrease in takers of 17.4 per cent since 1997.
In the same time chemistry has seen a decrease of 4.7 per cent.
"Businesses are far more worried about the low numbers studying chemistry, physics and maths than they are about the grade inflation debate," Mr Lambert said.
"We are facing a growing skills shortage in these areas that has serious implications for the future health of our economy.
He added that the government needs to take on a "greater sense of urgency" if the fall in the number of students taking science and maths degrees is to be reversed.
If not, he said, the UK economy is going to be badly affected.
Earlier this month the CBI called for bursaries to be introduced for students taking science, technology, engineering and maths degrees worth £1000 per year towards their tuition fees.
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