More than half of employers fear they will not be able to recruit enough high-skilled workers, according to a survey by the CBI. The employers’ organisation is warning that a skills shortage is “threatening to starve economic growth”.
“Firms are facing a skills emergency now,” said CBI deputy director-general Katja Hall. In the Budget, the government announced a levy on large employers to fund new apprenticeships.
“By developing the skills of young people, businesses can boost their productivity, employees can harness their talent and we can reach our potential as world beaters,” said Skills Minister Nick Boles of the plans for a training levy.
Skills gap
The annual CBI/ Pearson Education and Skills survey, based on 310 firms employing 1.2 million people in the UK, showed that more than two-thirds of businesses are expected to need more high-skilled staff.
But more than half feared they would not be able to find enough staff with the required skills. “The government has set out its stall to create a high-skilled economy, but firms are facing a skills emergency now, threatening to starve economic growth,” said Ms Hall.
“Worryingly, it’s those high-growth, high-value sectors with the most potential which are the ones under most pressure. That includes construction, manufacturing, science, engineering and technology.
“The new levy announced in the Budget may guarantee funding for more apprenticeships, but it’s unlikely to equate to higher quality or deliver the skills that industry needs. Levies on training already exist in the construction sector where two-thirds of employers are already reporting skills shortages.”
The survey also highlighted concerns about the need for better careers advice to help young people understand more about the jobs likely to be available. Read more
