According to the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC), at least 78 per cent of firms in these sectors reported having “significant issues” recruiting new staff.
The construction sector is facing the most severe recruitment challenges, with 83 per cent reporting difficulties. This is closely followed by production and manufacturing on 79 per cent, logistics on 79 per cent and hospitality on 78 per cent.
In the face of rising business costs, less than a third of employers (28 per cent) have increased their investment in the last three months. Smaller firms are even less likely to report an increase, at just 19 per cent.
The BCC called for “urgent reform” of the Shortage Occupations List (SOL) so that more people and job roles are covered. The SOL comprises roles deemed by the UK government to be in short supply within the labour market, with such roles afforded more relaxed eligibility criteria for sponsored work visa applications.
The BCC data was drawn...