Recruitment managers say it is now vital for job seekers to have at least two A-levels or their equivalent, according to research by England's Learning and Skills Council (LSC).

The poll of 271 recruiters suggested that 74% felt such qualifications were key for anyone wanting a job. And one in seven said they would not recruit someone with fewer than two A-levels at grades A to C.

It found that 80% of employers questioned said they might hire someone who did not have these qualifications. However, the majority (56%) said they would only give them unskilled jobs.

The poll found that 10% of recruiters would ignore a CV from someone without two A-levels graded A to C.