The requirement to provide work experience pre-16 was removed in 2012 as part of the coalition government’s education reforms.
However, a survey of 3,246 business leaders, undertaken by the British Chambers of Commerce, found that 82 per cent want to see work experience return.
The survey also found that 79 per cent think that work experience is the most important activity when equipping pupils with workplace skills, followed by part-time work (69 per cent) and volunteering (55 per cent).
However, the research also revealed that 36 per cent of businesses do not offer work experience, with small businesses in particular saying they need greater support in order to do so.
Of the businesses that do offer work experience, the models varied with 66 per cent offering one to two week term-time placements, 47 per cent offering placements during school holidays, 30 per cent offering flexible placements, and 27 per cent hosting visits for groups of pupils.
John Longworth, director general of the British Chambers of Commerce, said: “Business and school leaders are clear: we won’t bridge the gap between the world of education and the world of work unless young people spend time in workplaces while still at school.
“It was careless of government to end compulsory work experience in 2012, but it is not too late to correct the mistake – and work with companies and schools to ensure that every school pupil has the chance to feel the energy, dynamism, buzz and challenge of the workplace for themselves.
“Work experience is crucial to bringing down our stubbornly high youth unemployment rate. It will help ensure more young people are prepared for work. It will help close the yawning skills gaps reported by frustrated businesses across the UK, who face huge difficulty filling vacancies at every level.
“The government must act to bring compulsory work experience for under-16s back in England. Devolved administrations must ensure that it is available to all in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.
“We pledge to work with governments in all four nations to ensure that more and more businesses then engage with schools, offer work placements to young people, and help the next generation get the start that they deserve.”
The British Chambers of Commerce is currently working with the Skills Funding Agency to deliver 250 Your Future careers events across England. Visit www.yourfuturecareersfairs.co.uk