A report from the London School of Economics (www.lse.ac.uk) recommends that all pupils should learn some science and technology skills to make sure they can “fit into modern jobs”.

It said that “companies across the entire economy need science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) skills.

“The UK is suffering from a shortage of suitably trained workers, and the education system needs an overhaul to ensure that enough people have the right skills. One option would be to add STEM topics to other degrees.

The need for these skills outside the technology sector is often misunderstood, the perception being that STEM graduates’ skills are wasted in other industries.”