UK firms facing highest level of recruitment difficulties on record: Report

LONDON

Firms in the UK are facing the highest level of recruitment difficulties on record, highlighting the need for better childcare support and training, according to a new survey released on Friday.

The British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) polled more than 5,600 businesses, with over eight in ten firms – 82% – reporting problems in recruiting workers.

There were issues across all sectors, but the hospitality sector was the most affected, with 87% of firms reporting difficulties.

It was followed by the manufacturing sector at 85%, while the construction sector, professional services, and public, education, health sectors were all on 83%.

“Today’s findings reveal that British businesses are facing the highest level of recruitment difficulties on record. Instead of seeing any easing of our extremely tight labor market, this issue only continues to head in the wrong direction,” said Alex Veitch, director of policy and public affairs at the BCC.

“With an anaemic economy and low productivity, government must take immediate steps to ease the considerable labor pressures on businesses – we can’t afford to wait any longer.”

A report released by the Trades Union Congress (TUC) on Thursday showed the British economy has missed out on £400 billion (nearly $500 billion) of growth since 2010, when the Conservatives took office.

While most advanced countries are headed for economic growth in 2023, Britain is the only G-7 economy expected to see a year of contraction, according the International Monetary Fund.

It said the British economy is projected to shrink 0.6% in 2023, as higher energy prices and tighter fiscal and monetary policies impact growth.

• United Kingdom