More than two-thirds of UK companies trying to hire new workers are struggling to find hires, according to a new study.
A survey of 5,700 companies found that sectors hard hit by the coronavirus, such as hotels and restaurants, were seeing an increase in recruitment plans.
The British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) said the highest proportion of firms trying to recruit were in production, manufacturing and construction.
Of those who have tried to recruit in recent months, those who have struggled have fallen from just over half at the end of 2020 to 70%, he said.
Jane Gratton, of the BCC, said: “As businesses are released from lockdown restrictions, the skills and labor shortages they experienced before the pandemic are starting to bite again.
“The encouraging increase in job creation in the manufacturing and service sectors is being held back by recruitment difficulties at all skill levels, jeopardizing growth and productivity.
“Whether people found work in a different industry, changed their working habits or left the UK during the recession, companies are now struggling to find the people they need. It is essential that business, government and the skills system work together to find solutions. .
“Adopting more flexible and remote working models will help companies attract skills from a larger talent pool.”
A separate report from the Confederation for Recruitment and Employment (REC) and KPMG said there had been an “unprecedented” increase in demand for permanent and temporary staff.
Neil Carberry, CEO of REC, said, “The job market is improving at the fastest rate we’ve ever seen, but it’s still an unpredictable time. We cannot yet say to what extent the end of the leave and greater candidate confidence will help meet this growing demand for staff. “
Although recruiting activity exploded in June, worker availability fell, according to the report, the results of which were compiled from survey responses from some 400 employment agencies.
The high demand and low supply situation has led to an increase in starting wages and the wages of temporary workers, experts added.
Additional reporting by the Press Association
More about this article: Read More
Source: www.independent.co.uk
This notice was published: 2021-07-08 09:12:47
