Too few students are studying physics and chemistry to address a growing shortage of scientists and engineers, according to Richard Lambert, CBI director-general.

This year’s A level results showed that 27,466 students studied physics A level, a marginal increase of 0.4% on last year, but a decrease of 17.4% since 1997. Meanwhile, 40,285 studied chemistry, again a slight increase on 2006 of 0.6%, but a decline over the past decade of 4.7%.

The number who studied maths rose by 7.3% on last year to 60,093, an increase of 4,111 pupils. However there has been a fall of 10.4% in student numbers since 2000.

Lambert says: "Businesses are far more worried about the low numbers studying chemistry, physics and maths than they are about the grade inflation debate. We are facing a growing skills shortage in these areas that has serious implications for the future health of our economy.”