The CBI says urgent action is needed to reverse the decline in the number of people studying science, technology, engineering and maths ('STEM') subjects.

It has come up with a five point plan to encourage the study of these subjects at school and university.

A CBI spokesman said:

"Some employers are already finding it difficult to get the right talent, and the problem is set to get worse.

"The UK cannot compete with the developing world on low-skilled jobs, so to thrive in the global market we must excel in the higher-skilled roles that demand expertise and innovation."