THIS year's increase in good A-level passes will be welcomed by employers according to the Confederation of British Industry (CBI).

It stressed that employers back the A-level system and are unconvinced about the benefits of a Baccalaureate.

CBI head of learning and skills, Margaret Murray, said: "Employers will be pleased that the hard work of pupils and teachers has again paid off. "Employers value A-levels as a benchmark when they recruit.

"They know and understand them.

"We must not undermine confidence in the current system by creating uncertainty over its future."

Ms Murray claimed that in recent years firms have been overwhelmed by education changes, and said they are unconvinced that a Baccalaureate would improve their ability to judge most recruits."