The UK could be relegated to a second division economic power as pupils shun science subjects for "easier" exams, one expert has warned.
According to David Frost, director-general of the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC), a Durham University report, which shows that exams in arts subjects are easier than those in science and maths, is "terrible news".
He said: "The UK's economy is riddled with skills shortages in several key sectors, and our science, technology, engineering and maths subject take up remains depressingly poor.
"If the UK is to globally compete as an advanced industrial nation we will need a stream of highly skilled individuals with qualifications in both science and technology."
The report by Durham University claims that tests in A-level subjects like physics, chemistry and biology are a grade harder than drama, sociology and media studies.
It also expresses the worry that this will lead people to avoid the seemingly harder subjects.
