The findings from a survey of 500 UK employers have prompted calls for universities to reconsider their role in developing attitudes that will help students to ¡°excel in the commercial world¡±.

The poll, conducted by recruitment firm Adecco, also found concern among employers over a lack of skills among graduates.

Four in 10 said graduates lacked critical IT skills, while a quarter claimed recruits lacked basic literacy and numeracy.

Comparing 25- and 40-year-olds, employers ranked younger workers much less favourably on timekeeping, productivity, teamwork, working long hours, loyalty to their employer, and ¡°going the extra mile¡±.

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Chris Moore, managing director of Adecco Group Solutions, argued that ¡°financial acumen, communications techniques and a full appreciation of the attitude required to excel in the commercial world must now form a core part of curricula¡±.

¡°Although extremely valuable, a strong academic record is no longer a sufficient prerequisite for entry into today¡¯s working environment,¡± he said.

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¡°Employers now hold attitude and personality (91 per cent) in greater esteem than academic or even vocational qualifications (35 per cent) when assessing new recruits.¡±

david.matthews@tsleducation.com