No sign of hiring difficulties easing, says BCC

03 May 2023

Businesses are still facing major difficulties in hiring new staff, according to a survey conducted by the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC).

The latest Quarterly Recruitment Outlook (QRO), a survey of more than 5,000 UK firms, found that 80% of those attempting to recruit have faced challenges.

While recruitment difficulties are being experienced across the economy, firms in the hospitality and manufacturing sectors were the most likely to report recruitment difficulties. This is closely followed by the construction and engineering sector and then the professional services, public, education and health sectors.

The BCC is calling on the government to work with businesses on solutions including skills training, investment and an urgent reform of the Shortage Occupations List (SOL). 

Jane Gratton, Head of People Policy at the BCC, said: 'People shortages are a massive issue and employers can see little sign of improvement. The high number of unfilled job vacancies is damaging businesses and the economy. Firms are struggling to fulfil order books and turning down new work.

'There is no quick fix and employers and the government need to work together to find solutions. While firms can do more to make workplaces more flexible and jobs easier to access, the government must redouble its efforts to encourage and help people into work.'