Bradford schools are failing to prepare students for life in the workplace, according to a survey of some of the district's biggest employers.

Almost half of Bradford's key businesses said they were struggling to recruit staff and 95 per cent - the highest proportion anywhere in the north - said schools were to blame.

Today Education Bradford vigorously defended its record and said it was among the most improved education authorities in the country.

A spokesman said its five federations across the district had helped foster links between schools, colleges, and work based providers, and pointed to recent rises in the school league tables.

But Andrew Moore, partner at the Bradford office of financial advisor Grant Thornton which carried out the survey, said the findings were concerning.

"It is extremely worrying that half our key entrepreneurial businesses are struggling when it comes to recruiting staff, feeling they just do not have the necessary skills for the workplace," he said.

"One can only hope that national and local government take heed of these findings."

But a spokesman for Education Bradford said that links between schools and industry were improving.

"A record number of 14 to 19-year-old pupils from Bradford schools are working with businesses through a variety of programmes," he said.

"Schools set up their own programmes or can work through our Education Business Partnership team.

"Secondary schools are also teaching pupils how to become flexible and adaptable learners in order to better meet the needs of employers."

The survey of 400 firms with a turnover of more than £5 million also revealed that Bradford firms are the least willing to pay higher salaries in a bid to lure graduates.

"Bradford University and the Management School are doing their utmost to encourage Bradford businesses to co-operate with them which is bearing fruit as 45 per cent of businesses say they are doing so," said Mr Moore.

"However, it is interesting and concerning that 81 per cent of businesses are unlikely to pay a premium for graduates in Bradford. This is not encouraging for this year's graduates who are revising hard for their fast approaching examinations."

A spokesman for the University of Bradford said it had taken part in a range of schemes to encourage links with local businesses and had one of the best graduate employment records in the UK.