Men who have an A-level in mathematics are much more likely to earn higher wages than their male peers who have A-levels in other subjects, a study shows.
Researchers at London University's Institute of Education examined a sample of men born in one week in 1958.
They found that, at age 33, men who had an A-level in mathematics earned between 10 and 14 per cent more than similarly educated students without a maths A-level.
Lead researcher Dr Anna Vignoles said: "This finding suggests that students with high-level mathematical skills are in particular demand in today’s labour market.
"The skills a student learns in this subject, such as logical thinking, problem solving and statistical analyses, match closely to the skills required in the workplace.
"The skills associated with other A-level subjects - even subjects generally considered harder than maths, such as physics or chemistry - simply do not have the same impact on earnings.
"More students should be encouraged to study for A-level maths."
Further research carried out by Dr Vignoles in this area revealed that employers are not willing to pay premium wages to those who have pursued a broad range of subjects at A-level.
Dr Vignoles added: "In the light of the most recent reforms to the 16 to 19 curriculum, which encourage students to study a broader range of subjects, this finding is rather worrying.
"Our research would indicate that the debate about the excessive over-specialisation at age 16 in the UK is somewhat misplaced."
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