Half of employers believe school leavers entering the workforce have poor standards of literacy and numeracy, new research reveals.

More than 50% of the 4,000 firms polled by the Forum of Private Business (FPB) complain teenagers are leaving school without the necessary basic skills to perform effectively in the workplace.

As well as falling down on reading, writing and counting, three quarters of bosses said many young workers struggle to properly address letters, while 60% were damning of ex-pupils' ability to take a simple telephone message.

General courtesy towards colleagues and customers was cited a problem by a quarter of employers with another half bemoaning their timekeeping.

"Our survey amounts to a condemnation of Britain's education system, which is, self-evidently, turning out school leavers who are socially inept and unprepared for the world of work," said Len Collinson, FPB national chairman.

"I would like to see teachers and parents focus more on the basic 3Rs. Also there should be a greater emphasis placed on teaching 'social skills', such as encouraging pupils to communicate clearly, instilling a modicum of respect for others, and promoting in them enthusiasm for a useful working life.

"Positive action like this could well be supported by parents and employers, who both have an interest in school leavers being better prepared for the world of work."

Among the complaints by bosses included one by the managing director of a Bury St Edmunds electrical contractor who said: "They are ignorant, illiterate, innumerate, bad mannered, want everything handed to them on a plate, and fall apart emotionally if they don't get what they want."

David Wyld, head of Willis Organs in Liverpool, was equally damning. "Their apparent inability or complete unwillingness to follow instructions means most school leavers we have encountered are virtually unemployable," he complained.

The FPB's research was released ahead of the publication of this year's A-level results on Thursday. Experts predict the pass rate will rise again with the number of students achieving A grades also increasing.

Several analysts accuse educators of making examinations easier at the expense of skills levels. Many believe the government should scrap the A-level system in favour of continental European-style baccalaureate diplomas.