Janet Finch-Saunders AM, Shadow Minister for Local Government, today called on the First Minister to improve literacy and numeracy in Wales to help young people gain valuable work experience.

Janet said: “Pisa results, Estyn’s annual report and criticisms of the non-statutory Skills Framework paint a worrying picture.

“Under the Welsh Labour Government 40% of pupils starting secondary school in Wales have reading skills below that expected of their age group.

“Only 48% of pupils at Key Stage 4 achieved Level 2 in the core subjects last year, and 10% failed to achieve Level 1.

“I am calling today on the First Minister to guarantee that the forthcoming Literacy and Numeracy Framework will address these shocking figures, and ensure that improvements continue past age 14 so as to increase the employment potential of our young people, and the value they can gain from work experience placements.”