A new survey by the Confederation of British Industry (CBI) has revealed that over half of employers fear that growth will be held back by skills shortages.
The survey of 310 companies, which together employ over one million people, also said that two in three businesses (68%) expect their need for staff with higher level skills to grow in the years ahead, but more than half of those surveyed (55%) fear that they will not be able to access enough workers with the required skills.
Katja Hall, CBI deputy director-general, said: “The Government has set out its stall to create a high-skilled economy, but firms are facing a skills emergency now, threatening to starve economic growth. Worryingly, it’s those high-growth, high-value sectors with the most potential which are the ones under most pressure. That includes construction, manufacturing, science, engineering and technology.
“The new levy announced in the budget may guarantee funding for more apprenticeships, but it’s unlikely to equate to higher quality or deliver the skills that industry needs. Levies on training already exist in the construction sector where two-thirds of employers are already reporting skills shortages.
“Employers have a critical role in up-skilling the workforce, but part of the deal must be for real business control of apprenticeships to meet their needs on the ground.
“The best way to plug the skills gaps and provide quality training is to speed up existing apprenticeships reforms already underway and encourage smaller firms to get involved.”
