Innumerate teens threaten jobs

The British economy, which grew faster than the euro area last year, is in danger of losing jobs to low-wage countries such as China and the Czech Republic because too many British teenagers struggle to write and add.

“It is a massive problem for economic growth, if the workforce lacks skills,” said Alistair Baker, the 41-year-old managing director of Microsoft in Britain, in an interview.

Lower labour costs and higher skill levels in other economies create a “dangerous dynamic” for Britain, he said.