The Chamber’s latest results of the first quarter of our economic survey showed that businesses experienced fewer recruitment difficulties since the last quarter. However staff costs are a problem for 66% of local businesses and staffing issues still remain a central concern.
One of the issues related to staffing that numerous researchers have identified, is that the UK is suffering from a skills gap. According to Oxford Learning College, an estimated 20% of the workforce will be significantly under-skilled for their jobs by 2030, a percentage that could amount to around 6.5 million people.
The North East Chamber of Commerce has been working with over 3,500 businesses in the North East on the Local Skills Improvement Plans, which place employers at the heart of the skills system and aim to reduce the skills gap.
