British firms are increasingly seeking workers who can speak Mandarin, Britain’s biggest employers’ organisation said Sunday. The Confederation of British Industry (CBI) found that while European languages were still in demand there are signs of businesses increasingly seeking language skills that could help break them into new markets. The annual CBI/Pearson Education and Skills Survey of around 300 British firms found that nearly two-thirds of businesses questioned said they had a need for foreign language skills. “With the EU still our largest export market, it’s no surprise to see German, French and Spanish language skills so highly prized by companies,” said CBI deputy director general Katja Hall.
