London:
A lot of young people in Britain are being expected by their employers to return to the classroom for unlearning the kind of language they use.
Bosses say increasing numbers of young recruits are unable to communicate with customers in formal English. Instead they use "text speak" and litter emails with abbreviations and obscure acronyms, the Daily Express reported on Friday.
Senior business figures are urging the British government to take action, as they believe social networking has created an underclass of prospective employees who lack the basic skills required to secure employment.
Companies struggle to fill vacancies because school leavers are unable to work as a team or communicate with colleagues and customers.
Managers are also being forced to send "wake-up" text messages to young members of staff to ensure they get to work on time.
Employers are taking action them- selves by sending young recruits on special training courses.
Andy Powell, director of the Unlocking Britain's Potential campaign, said: "It involves additional cost, but communication is vital."