30.01.14
Employers must act to tackle skills gap
Skills shortages in the UK are growing fast, a new report by the UK Commission for Employment and Skills (UKCES) has found.
Between March and July 2013, the number of vacancies where businesses cannot find the skills required grew from 63,100 to 124,800. Skills shortages are more prevalent in certain sectors, such as skilled trades like plumbing and in health and social care, and were most common in Scotland.
The UKCES survey also showed that 48% of employers recruited people with higher levels of skills and knowledge than was required for the job. Under-using people’s skills in this way could risk a demotivated workforce, the report warned.
Douglas McCormick, a Commissioner at UKCES, said: “Whilst the rise in the number of vacancies is a good sign that the economy is recovering, there’s a real possibility that businesses might not be able to make the most of the upturn because they don’t have the right people.
“This shows that businesses need to start thinking about planning their talent pipeline now – not waiting until they are unable to fulfil contracts because of a lack of skilled staff.”
Matthew Hancock, minister for skills and enterprise, said: “Employers in some sectors report persistent skills shortages which is why I have been working hard to design a skills system that is rigorous in the training it provides and responsive to the needs of employers.
“With a record number of people in jobs as our economy continues to grow we must have a skilled workforce equipped to work in a modern economy and compete effectively in the global race.”
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