A talent gap could open up in the UK's technology sector as a result of 'uninspiring' and 'inappropriate' lessons delivered in schools.

This is the view expressed by the Royal Society, which has warned of looming skills shortages unless the take-up of IT courses is increased, and potential damage to the UK's economy.

According to the body, the teaching of computing subjects needs to be substantially improved, as there has been a 33 per cent fall in students taking A-levels in the subject between 2003 and 2009 and a 33 per cent drop in GCSE candidates between 2006 and 2009.

Chair of the study Professor Steve Furber criticized "poorly conceived courses and syllabuses", adding that failure to "educate our young people in inspirational and appropriate ways" risks creating a "future workforce that is totally unskilled and unsuited to tomorrow's job market".

Those seeking IT jobs in the UK may also be interested to note that Royal Society addressed a recent submission to the government in which it made the case for additional funding for science rather than imposing cuts in the next Comprehensive Spending Review.

Posted by Kate Griffin