“Skills mismatch” in job market, says data website

A new data website has shown a “skills mismatch” in the UK job market.

The data found that there is a mismatch in the skills that employers in Scotland are looking for and the qualifications that jobseekers actually have.

Qualified

Developed by the Institute for Public Policy Research (IPPR) and analytics company Burning Glass Technologies as part of JPMorgan Chase’s new skills programme, the website also showed the sectors in which workers are most needed. Demand was particularly high in sales, marketing, and finance administration.

Areas such as personal care, office managers and supervisors, and welfare and housing associates were found to have more vacancies than qualified jobseekers. The website also found that some sectors had many qualified people looking for work battling for every job.

It also highlighted the sectors in which qualified jobseekers are most likely to struggle to find an entry-level job, such as agriculture, animal care, and emergency services.

Encouraging

Commenting on the research, IPPR Scotland Director Russell Gunson said that it is “encouraging” to see “tens of thousands” of jobs available for Scotland’s education leavers. However, he added that there is a question of whether the desired careers and skills of those looking for a job are matched with the opportunities available.

He went on to state that the data developed by the IPPR suggests that there is a mismatch, saying: "In Scotland the figures indicate that some sectors are finding it difficult to recruit – while many qualified young people are struggling to find the jobs they want."

He said that the Government will need to find ways to help young people acquire skills in sectors that offer the most opportunities.