Skills crisis is key flaw in George Osborne's productivity plan, says CBI

Chancellor's apprenticeship scheme criticised as CBI highlights skill shortages in manufacturing, science, engineering and technology as barrier to recovery

George Osborne's pledge to fix Britain's woeful productivity record will be called into question by a leading business group on Monday when it highlights a skills crisis and redoubles criticism of the government's apprenticeship plans.

As official figures this week are expected to show wages picking up and unemployment holding at a seven-year low, the CBI highlights that a growing number of employers are struggling to fill skilled jobs.