School leavers are less prepared for work in the hospitality and catering workforces than they were midway through the 19th century, according to a new report from learndirect.

The report from the UK online learning provider, which explored 160 years of the curriculum, has found that current changes only partially reflect the shifting skill-sets required by hospitality and catering employers.

It was also found that 21 per cent of businesses report a lack of skilled workers to be a concern, with basic abilities in customer service, time management and problem solving hindering recruitment and staff retention.

The report has uncovered hindrances created by the teaching of older, irrelevant subjects, as well as gaps around core competencies in essential skills such as communication, management and teamwork.

To combat the issues the report has suggested five recommendations to help counter such problems, with its writers proposing changes to the use of the math’s curriculum, while pushing the idea of offering Functional Skills as an equal alternative to a GCSE choice.

In its five recommendations, the report has also proposed more of a focus on vocational pathways, better use of work experience and the harnessing of technology in both teaching and learning.

A copy of the Ability x Skills + (Knowledge) = the right formula for change? is available to view here.