Skilled workers shortage hampers manufacturing growth
MANUFACTURING firms struggling to recruit skilled workers are threatening to “derail” productivity gains, a new report has warned.
Manufacturing firms in the UK are struggling to recruit skilled workers
The Government was accused of failing to get to grips with the “skills crunch” despite an expected rise in demand for suitably qualified staff.
EEF, the manufacturers’ group, said a survey of more than 200 firms found that three out of four faced problems recruiting skilled staff in the past three years.
The number of hard-to-fill vacancies remained “stubbornly high” at more than a third.
Manufacturers struggle to find people with the right skills
Tim Thomas, director of employment and skills policy at EEF, said: “Despite multiple warnings about the UK’s yawning skills gap, the dial hasn’t moved since 2012.
“Manufacturers continue to struggle to find the right people with the right skills.
"Undoubtedly, this has led to lost opportunities for employers, would-be employees and the UK economy.
The number of hard-to-fill vacancies remains 'stubbornly high'
“Had manufacturers not already been taking action, we would arguably already be over the cliff edge and not just approaching it.
“The demand for skills is going to soar in response to manufacturers’ productivity plans.”
EEF has called for grants for some apprenticeships
EEF called for grants for some apprenticeships, as another survey it released earlier this month showed a record number of manufacturers are looking to recruit apprentices this year.
Almost eight in 10 plan to recruit a manufacturing and engineering apprentice, while 45 per cent intend to recruit an apprentice for other roles, the poll showed.