The recent downturn has proven the importance of a good education in gaining and retaining jobs, it has been claimed.

According to a report by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), the crisis reinforces the need for employees to have skills and qualification, with individuals holding a university degree far less likely to be made redundant.

Entitled Education at a Glance, the study also highlighted the importance of completing high school and going on to further study in boosting economic and social prospects.

"Despite strained public budgets, governments must keep up their investment to maintain quality in education, especially for those most at risk," declared OECD secretary-general Angel Gurria.

High numbers of teenagers who are not in school are unemployed and the OECD wants the rising problem of youth joblessness to be tackled through investment in tertiary institutions and skills development.

Commenting on the OECD report, European Commissioner for education, culture, multilingualism and youth Androulla Vassiliou stated that its findings are in line with Europe 2020 goals to increase university education.

Posted by Lee Thrace