More than two-thirds of firms in the UK are
experiencing skills shortages, according to research published by Reed.
The service sector is the hardest hit with 76
per cent of employers claiming recruitment difficulties.
Other sectors are also suffering, with 68 and
64 per cent of firms in the manufacturing and distribution/wholesale sectors
respectively reporting shortages.
The Thames Valley is the worst hit region in
the UK, with 82 per cent of organisations finding it hard to recruit suitably
qualified staff.
Technical and engineering skills were most in
demand, with 20 per cent of employers experiencing recruitment problems.
Following closely behind, 19 per cent and 16
per cent of employers of IT and accountancy staff reported difficulties filling
vacancies.
More than 550 organisations in the UK were
surveyed for the Reeds Skills Index.
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By Karen Higginbottom
