News on 23 January 2001
Shortages of skilled workers have reached record levels in parts of
British industry, according to a survey by human resources company Reed.
Out of the 550 participating companies, more than two thirds were hit
by the shortage of skilled staff, with the service sector experiencing
the worst problems.
The survey showed that shortages were more severe in the Thames Valley,
East Anglia, Northern Ireland and the Midlands, with fewer shortages
in Wales, the North East, Scotland, London and the Home Counties.
Reed chief executive James Reed said: "Skills shortages are now
the number one concern of business leaders. Successful companies are
increasingly committed to training but will have to be more imaginative
in their use of recruitment techniques and staff retention policies
if they are to bridge the gap."
