Menu
02/02/2004
10% of UK workforce is incompetent: survey
Britain's employers believe that 10% of their staff – or around 2.4 million of the working population – are incompetent, according to a survey commissioned by the Learning and Skills Council (LSC).
A survey of 72,000 employers, the largest of its kind, also revealed that one-fifth of job vacancies in England remain unfilled because of a lack of skilled applicants – some 135,000 vacancies.
Almost half of employers reporting “skills shortage vacancies” said that they were losing business to competitors as a result of the lack of skilled workers. Other effects of skills shortages in the job market include poor customer service (52%) and an increased workload for existing staff (83%).
Skills gaps within employers’ existing workforces were also found to be a significant problem, with more than one fifth (22%) of employers saying the skills of their workforce were not up to scratch. Having an under-skilled workforce adversely affects the bottom line for more than 30% of these employers, who stated higher operating costs as a consequence.
Mark Haysom, Chief Executive of the LSC, said: “To remain competitive both nationally and internationally, English businesses must be strategic about staff training and development. This survey, the largest of its kind into the skills needs of employers in England, will allow us to better identify those specific areas most in need of investment, and continue our work with employers to develop solutions. We need businesses to recognise the issues at stake here and work in partnership with us.”
According to research by Ernst & Young, industry losses through lack of basic skills were estimated to be as high as £10 billion annually. The research also revealed that the same lack of basic skills costs a typical business with 50 employees £165,000 a year.
Output per hour worked is around 30% higher in the US, France and Germany than in the UK.
A recent DTi report stated that overall UK innovation was at best average compared to major international competitors.
(gmcg)
A survey of 72,000 employers, the largest of its kind, also revealed that one-fifth of job vacancies in England remain unfilled because of a lack of skilled applicants – some 135,000 vacancies.
Almost half of employers reporting “skills shortage vacancies” said that they were losing business to competitors as a result of the lack of skilled workers. Other effects of skills shortages in the job market include poor customer service (52%) and an increased workload for existing staff (83%).
Skills gaps within employers’ existing workforces were also found to be a significant problem, with more than one fifth (22%) of employers saying the skills of their workforce were not up to scratch. Having an under-skilled workforce adversely affects the bottom line for more than 30% of these employers, who stated higher operating costs as a consequence.
Mark Haysom, Chief Executive of the LSC, said: “To remain competitive both nationally and internationally, English businesses must be strategic about staff training and development. This survey, the largest of its kind into the skills needs of employers in England, will allow us to better identify those specific areas most in need of investment, and continue our work with employers to develop solutions. We need businesses to recognise the issues at stake here and work in partnership with us.”
According to research by Ernst & Young, industry losses through lack of basic skills were estimated to be as high as £10 billion annually. The research also revealed that the same lack of basic skills costs a typical business with 50 employees £165,000 a year.
Output per hour worked is around 30% higher in the US, France and Germany than in the UK.
A recent DTi report stated that overall UK innovation was at best average compared to major international competitors.
(gmcg)
Related Northern Ireland Business News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
26 May 2011
Skills Strategy To 'Transform Futures' Says Farry
There needs to be a greater emphasis on skills training if Northern Ireland is to have the workforce necessary to help the economy grow in the future.
Skills Strategy To 'Transform Futures' Says Farry
There needs to be a greater emphasis on skills training if Northern Ireland is to have the workforce necessary to help the economy grow in the future.
08 April 2002
Basic Skills Committee praised by Minister
Minister for Employment and Learning, Carmel Hanna has given the seal of approval to the work of the Basic Skills Committee, set up in 1999 to oversee a programme of work addressing the educational needs of adults.
Basic Skills Committee praised by Minister
Minister for Employment and Learning, Carmel Hanna has given the seal of approval to the work of the Basic Skills Committee, set up in 1999 to oversee a programme of work addressing the educational needs of adults.
11 March 2016
Employer Skills Survey Results Published
The results of the 2015 Employer Skills Survey, managed by the UK Commission for Employment and Skills (UKCES), have been published by Employment and Learning Minister Dr Stephen Farry. Minister Farry launched the report at an meeting of business, education and training representatives in Belfast Metropolitan College's Titanic Quarter Campus.
Employer Skills Survey Results Published
The results of the 2015 Employer Skills Survey, managed by the UK Commission for Employment and Skills (UKCES), have been published by Employment and Learning Minister Dr Stephen Farry. Minister Farry launched the report at an meeting of business, education and training representatives in Belfast Metropolitan College's Titanic Quarter Campus.
26 September 2003
The New Sector Skills Council For Construction
Charles Clarke, the Secretary for State for Education, has given the green light to the new sector skills council for the construction industry. Known as ConstructionSkills, the new SSC will comprise CITBGB in partnership with CITBNI (Northern Ireland) and CIC (Construction Industry Council).
The New Sector Skills Council For Construction
Charles Clarke, the Secretary for State for Education, has given the green light to the new sector skills council for the construction industry. Known as ConstructionSkills, the new SSC will comprise CITBGB in partnership with CITBNI (Northern Ireland) and CIC (Construction Industry Council).
30 April 2002
CIPD report employers seeking to ease recruitment crisis
Despite the downturn in the economy, organisations still report recruitment difficulties over the past year, according to the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD). As a result, UK organisations have made widespread changes to their recruitment practices.
CIPD report employers seeking to ease recruitment crisis
Despite the downturn in the economy, organisations still report recruitment difficulties over the past year, according to the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD). As a result, UK organisations have made widespread changes to their recruitment practices.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherThis Evening and Tonight:It will be cloudy with a spell of heavy rain pushing south through late evening and the early hours, soon followed by some clear spells. Minimum temperature 6 °C.
