UK skills shortages reaching record levels

A human resources company claims that shortages of skilled workers has reached record levels in parts of British industry.

More than two out of three firms are being hit by a shortage of skilled staff, with the problem even worse in service companies.

According to the survey by Reed, the service sector has record levels of skills shortages.

The poll of 550 companies found the worst problems were in the Thames Valley, East Anglia, Northern Ireland and the Midlands.

There were fewer shortages in Wales, the North East, Scotland, London and the Home Counties.

Reed chief executive James Reed said: "Skills shortages are now the number one concern of business leaders.

"Successful companies are increasingly committed to training but will have to be more imaginative in their use of recruitment techniques and staff retention policies if they are to bridge the gap."