UK firms struggle to fill gaps in the workforce |
Analysis by ManpowerGroup shows that around 80% of UK companies have reported difficulty filling jobs. This is the highest percentage since 2006 and marks an increase on the 35% recorded in pre-pandemic 2019. Michael Stull, director at ManpowerGroup UK, said: “Talent shortages are always an area of concern for employers, but the real step change in our data can be seen post 2019.” He added that employers were "acutely aware of the growing scarcity of key skills, so they're holding on to and trying to stockpile business-critical talent. Just in time hiring does not work anymore, just in case hiring is more the mantra." Meanwhile, KPMG expects the UK unemployment rate to widen to 4.1% this year, from 3.7% in 2022. Yael Selfin, chief economist at KPMG, has flagged skills shortages and slowing workforce participation as two structural issues that “dominate the longer-term risks to the UK outlook.” |
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