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Record recruitment problems revealed as 80 per cent of firms struggle to hire staff

February 5, 2023

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Businesses are facing their highest level of recruitment difficulties on record.

New figures show that more than eight in 10 companies attempting to bring in new employees over the last few months have faced challenges.

And while the problem is persistent across all sectors, hospitality firms are most likely to face labour market issues followed by manufacturing, construction and professional services.

The data forms part of the British Chamber of Commerce’s latest Quarterly Recruitment Outlook for October to December 2022. It records the worst recruiting difficulties since the survey began in 1989.

More than 5,600 businesses were surveyed (the majority SMEs) – with six in 10 saying they were actively trying to recruit.

Now Staffordshire business chiefs have renewed calls for the Government to move swiftly to alleviate the problem by working with firms on solutions including childcare support and urgent reform of the Shortage Occupations List.  

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Being part of the Stoke on Trent and Staffordshire Careers Hub has been pivotal to the development of careers provision in our school. The Hub have shared good practice across their members resulting in a stronger focus on good quality provision. The annual event enabled the hub to share their vision of School Improvement Through The Lens of Careers and looking beyond the Benchmarks. It was a fantastic opportunity to share different models of school improvement and strategies to further develop careers provision to enhance the future opportunities of our young people.

Mrs A Spencer, John Taylor High School

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It it superb to be able to speak with local schools, colleges, and businesses in Stoke and Staffs and show how important the partnerships are to bring the skills of the future. Educating those who educate the ones shaping the aspirations of young people is essential for the industry to grow and be more sustainable.”

Alison Tucker, St Modwen