Skills shortages holding back businesses, according to survey

Skills shortages are holding back businesses, with over two-thirds of businesses not feeling confident about filling high-skilled jobs in the future, according to this year’s CBI/Pearson Education and Skills survey.

The survey highlighted the areas in which there is a skills shortage, with sectors such as construction, manufacturing and professional services being affected.

Demand

According to the survey, there is a growing demand for higher skills. Over three-quarters of businesses are expecting to have more jobs for individuals with higher skill levels over the coming years, and there is a growing need for people with intermediate, leadership and management skills.

Businesses are also becoming more committed to providing in-house training, with 42 per cent of training being done externally.

The survey also highlighted concerns over the design of the Apprenticeship Levy but showed that businesses have been taking more action when it comes to apprenticeships, with over 70 per cent now offering apprenticeship programmes.

Positive

Commenting on the research, CBI Deputy Director-General Josh Hardie said: “There are very positive signs throughout the country with more businesses supporting schools, offering careers advice and investing in workplace training – firms need to keep upping their game in this area.”

He added that skills are a “top business priority” but that over two-thirds of businesses do not think that they will be successful in acquiring the essential people. He said that “getting the skills and education system right across the country, particularly in