Skills shortages still growing, says CIPD

Recruitment pressures are intensifying, with some 85% of UK employers experiencing difficulties filling vacancies, according to new research.

These are among the findings of the latest annual Recruitment, Retention and Turnover survey from the CIPD, based on responses from 715 organisations and relating to the 2004 calendar year.

An analysis by sector reveals that shortfalls are particularly pronounced in the private sector. The proportion of private sector firms reporting recruitment difficulties matched the whole economy average, at 85% (up from 82% one year previously). In contrast, public sector recruitment pressures eased slightly to 83%, compared with 90% a year ago

The CIPD comments that 'low unemployment and a generally buoyant economy have made it a jobseekers' market. Employers are fighting over a small number of potential recruits, and are left facing real difficulties getting the right people into the right jobs'.

  • UK employers struggle to fill vacancies    Writing on personneltoday.com, Michael Millar looks at the key findings of the survey.

  • Vast majority of firms struggling to fill vacancies   Read the official press release, as published on the CIPD website.

    Also

    Recruitment difficulties affect seven in 10 employers    Most employers are struggling with recruitment and retention, according to new research from IRS.

    Overseas recruitment on the rise    Some 42% of UK employers increased their overseas recruitment over the past year, according to the latest Recruitment Confidence Index.

    Skills shortages intensify as job market recovers   Increased recruitment activity is expected to result in rising skills shortages, with recruitment difficulties for sales and IT functions particularly pronounced, new research reveals.

    Skills shortages    XpertHR's economic indicators service keeps you up to date on the latest data regarding skills shortages in the UK labour market.