Half of UK Employers Can’t Find the Skilled Workers They Need

Despite the improvement in confidence in the UK economy this month, half (50 per cent) of UK employers expressed concerns over the sufficient availability of candidates for permanent hire – up 8 points than in the same period last year, reported in this month’s Jobs Outlook report from the Recruitment and Employment Confederation.

 

The sectors that were of particular concern to hirers were roles in the public service areas of health and social care and education. Those who recruit temporary workers, also shared this growing concern with two thirds (66 per cent) of employers also worried about the availability of candidates – this was up from 32 percent in the same period last year.

 

The proportion of employers who believe economic conditions in the UK are getting better has continued to remain positive for the second consecutive rolling quarter. 32 per cent of employers – up 2 points from last month are feeling more confident in the future prospects of the UK economy. Confident employers want to grow, but are held back from the lack of candidate availability.

 

 

REC director of policy Tom Hadley says:

 

“It is great to see that employers are feeling more confident in making hiring decisions within their businesses. However there is a growing concern with the lack of candidates available for key roles, this is one of the biggest challenges facing the UK jobs market”.

 

“With skills needs and candidate expectations continuing to evolve, employers are having to innovate to attract the right people, particularly when competition between businesses for candidates is intensifying. The government can help by ensuring the future UK workplace has the skills needed and put in place a balanced and evidence-based immigration system post-Brexit”.

 

“It is encouraging to see employers continue to feel more optimistic about the UK economy which has translated in to having a positive impact on hiring intentions for both permanent and temporary staff. We want the UK jobs market to remain a success story but we must act now to address looming challenges that will impact on both demand and supply of staff.”

 

Ends

 

Notes to editors:

 1. For more information, contact the REC Press Office on 0207 009 2157/2192 or pressoffice@rec.uk.com. An ISDN line is available for interviews on 0207 021 0584.

 

2. JobsOutlook is produced by the REC in partnership with ComRes. ComRes interviewed 600 UK employees and owners involved in hiring by telephone between 12th February and 25th April 2018. Data were weighted to be representative of UK adults in employment by region, broad industry sector and public / private sector split. ComRes is a member of the British Polling Council and abides by its rules. Data tables are available at www.comresglobal.com

 

3. Jobs transform lives, which is why we are building the best recruitment industry in the world. As the professional body for recruitment we’re determined to make businesses more successful by helping them secure the people they need. We are absolutely passionate and totally committed in this pursuit for recruiters, employers, and the people they hire. Find out more about the Recruitment & Employment Confederation at www.rec.uk.com