The skills shortage is a persistent problem for UK businesses, leading to lower productivity and profits.

The latest data shows that the British economy is still lagging behind pre-pandemic levels, with pandemic repercussions and tighter post-Brexit immigration law cited as the main reasons.

This indicates that businesses need to be proactive in addressing skills shortages in order to succeed. With this in mind, we offer our top tips for businesses facing labour challenges in 2023.

What UK industries are experiencing skills shortages?

To begin, it is important to identify which UK industries are most affected by the skills shortage. A recent study found that the country’s biggest shortfalls are in a variety of sectors, including transport and logistics, hospitality, and manufacturing and construction.

Invest in building your workforce

Time is of the essence when recruiting top talent, as there is only a finite amount available in the market. A recruitment agency can help you find the right people quickly and efficiently.

As a third party, recruitment agencies have wider referral networks and can pinpoint candidates with the requisite work experience. They also specialize in different industries, so you can find an agency that aligns with your specific needs.

Using a recruitment agency can help you find new talent with the core skills to help your company reach its goals.

Develop your workforce

Often, the solution to your hiring needs may be found within your existing workforce. Instead of searching endlessly for the perfect candidate, consider whether there is someone on your team who could be trained to fill the role.

Upskilling can take many different forms, such as on-site training, e-learning, workshops, or self-reflection tasks. It can be a low-risk, inexpensive process that can significantly improve your workforce.

Organizations with more resources may even pay to enroll their employees in external training programs offered by universities or colleges. This personalized investment in your workforce can build loyalty and even provide a valuable public relations opportunity.

Consider Apprenticeships

Apprenticeships can be a long-term solution to skills shortages. They can help employers reach a wider talent pool and offer prospective employees a strong, high-quality alternative to the university degree.

Using a variety of recruitment channels and building relationships with educational institutions can be an effective way to find talent at the source.

Increase your marketing visibility

Improving your company’s marketing strategy can make your business more attractive to future employees. In addition to partnering with local educational institutions, you should also promote your company’s job openings on social media and in the local press. This increased brand awareness will likely lead to more job inquiries from people looking for work, which could help you fill your skills gaps.