Skills gaps in almost every economic sector, report finds

Businesses are now facing a shortage of skilled workers in nearly every sector of the economy, ranging from engineering to education, according to a new report.
By The Newsroom
Published 8th Jun 2016, 06:00 BST
The hospitality sector is just one area where a skills shortage is fearedThe hospitality sector is just one area where a skills shortage is feared
The hospitality sector is just one area where a skills shortage is feared

Despite the problem, employers are showing uncertainty about hiring in the run-up to the EU referendum, said the Recruitment and Employment Confederation.

Permanent staff placements continued to rise in May, but the rate of expansion eased to an eight-month low, a study found.

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REC chief executive Kevin Green said: “Whatever happens post-June 23, we need to ensure a sensible approach to immigration is taken, so that employers have access to the people they need. Sourcing workers from outside the UK is going to be an ongoing necessity if we are to continue seeing the British economy grow.

“The hospitality sector is a case in point. The latest data shows a surge in demand for staff from hotels and restaurants, as they expect many holidaymakers to stay in the UK this summer rather than travel abroad.

“The UK job market has been incredibly successful over the last seven years because of its dynamism and flexibility. Policymakers have a responsibility not to derail that success.”