Unskilled workers may be left on the jobs scrapheap in a few years, according to a report by employers organisation the CBI.

The Confederation said that a "huge culture change" was needed in the UK to make sure youngsters were prepared for the world of work otherwise they would face a life of unemployment.

The warning, which coincides with the start of the CBI's annual conference, followed a survey of 150 companies which showed that more firms were outsourcing work to countries such as India and China to reduce costs and increase efficiency. Most of those questioned said pressure to move off-shore had increased over the past two years.

Chairman and chief executives said that semi and unskilled posts were the most likely to be outsourced, while most new jobs created were graduate and skilled positions.

CBI Director General Digby Jones said: "We think there will not be any work for unskilled people in a few years' time. Ensuring that people have the skills remains a problem in this country."

He added that the UK had "nothing to fear" from off-shoring as long as people constantly upgraded their skills.

HR professionals were among those jobs cited as least likely to be outsourced abroad.