Business leaders want bright pupils to study three sciences at GCSE because employers need more skilled workers

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The two in five teenagers who reach level six in their science SATS at 14 - 250,000 pupils a year - should automatically be entered for 'triple science' unless they opt out, the Confederation of British Industry said.

Scientist shortage: Promising pupils should be pushed harder into studying three sciences at GCSE because Britain lacks specialist workers, according to business leaders

Currently only 7 per cent of 16-year-olds take separate chemistry, physics and biology GCSEs. The CBI warned that pupils who take 'double science' - which is worth just two GCSEs and omits crucial knowledge - are 'missing out' on a raft of potential careers.

CBI Director-general Richard Lambert said nearly three-fifths of employers have difficulty recruiting young people with skills in science, technology, engineering and maths.

He said the UK could be on the verge of an 'industrial renaissance', but if more youngsters do not study sciences at university 'we will have real problems recruiting skilled workers'.