The skill level of workers in the UK has steadily risen over the last two decades, and IT skills have become indispensable for today's employees, a new report argues.

A study published by the ESRC Research Centre on Skills, Knowledge and Organisational Performance (SKOPE) found that 28 per cent of jobs in 2006 required no formal qualifications - compared to 38 per cent in 1986.

The research also found that computing skills have becoming increasingly important for workers in the UK businesses. In 1997, just a third of jobs required applicants to have IT skills - now over 50 per cent of jobs ask for some computing ability or qualification.

Perhaps surprisingly, it was found that IT skills were important for a greater proportion of women's jobs than men's (50 per cent compared to 45 per cent). However, 35 per cent of these men needed advanced IT skills, compared to 21 per cent of women.

"This report underscores the increasing need for people to develop and hone skills at all levels, regardless of their profession," explained the minister for science and innovation, Malcolm Wicks.

"We recognise that in today's competitive global environment, Britain has to have a skilled, innovative workforce in order to compete."

One of the report's authors, Professor Francis Green said: “Our report shows that skills demands are continuing to rise in British workplaces, especially computing skills and influence skills.