Inadequate careers guidance in many English schools is exacerbating skills shortages and having a negative impact on the country’s productivity, the Sub-Committee on Education, Skills and the Economy has concluded.

In the report of its inquiry into careers education, information, advice and guidance, the Sub-Committee urges the government to incentivise schools to improve, which includes Ofsted downgrading where careers provision is sub-standard.

The Sub-Committee found that too many young people are leaving education without having had the chance to fully consider their future options or how their skills and experiences fit with opportunities in the jobs market.

It also judged that a host of policy changes, initiatives and new bodies introduced in recent years have failed to make serious improvements and in some cases have even been counter-productive.

Report recommendations include:

• The promotion of legislation to require schools to collaborate with training providers
• A relevant level 6 qualification, at a minimum, for those delivering advice and guidance in schools
• Meaningful work experience for all students at key stage 4 and effective delivery through key stage 5 study plans
• Improvements to destination data.

The Sub-Committee welcomes the government’s intention to publish a careers strategy and argues that it is a timely opportunity to finally get careers provision right.