Menu
11/04/2002
Skills shortages and high salary demands hold back SMEs
SME employers can't find the right staff and face difficulty in finding appropriately trained, skilled and experienced people who are prepared to work for realistic and affordable salary packages, according to new research.
Nearly two thirds of the PKF employers survey's 830 respondents found it difficult to recruit compared with 47 per cent last year as candidates have higher salary expectations than many SMEs can afford. There is also a distinct lack of appropriately trained, skilled and experienced staff and this is, as in 2001, the most common reason for recruitment difficulties.
SMEs are also having to work harder to keep up with the combined onslaught of legislative changes to their employer responsibilities with over a third of them working more than 48 hours per week.
Commenting on the findings of 'Recruitment, remuneration and regulation - the 3Rs for employers' Sheena Sullivan, PKF partner, said, "Rather than demanding inflated salary packages, candidates would do better to target growing companies who can offer great prospects in terms of career growth, responsibility and opportunities to gain experience.
"SMEs are hamstrung by the universal skills shortage and poor attitudes of potential employees and we urge the Government to put in place an effective strategy to tackle the continuing skills shortage; find out why the tax break schemes aren't working; and stop bombarding business with new regulations."
PKK, the eighth largest firm of accountants and business advisors in the UK, surveyed its clients and contacts throughout the UK in February.
Nearly two thirds of the PKF employers survey's 830 respondents found it difficult to recruit compared with 47 per cent last year as candidates have higher salary expectations than many SMEs can afford. There is also a distinct lack of appropriately trained, skilled and experienced staff and this is, as in 2001, the most common reason for recruitment difficulties.
SMEs are also having to work harder to keep up with the combined onslaught of legislative changes to their employer responsibilities with over a third of them working more than 48 hours per week.
Commenting on the findings of 'Recruitment, remuneration and regulation - the 3Rs for employers' Sheena Sullivan, PKF partner, said, "Rather than demanding inflated salary packages, candidates would do better to target growing companies who can offer great prospects in terms of career growth, responsibility and opportunities to gain experience.
"SMEs are hamstrung by the universal skills shortage and poor attitudes of potential employees and we urge the Government to put in place an effective strategy to tackle the continuing skills shortage; find out why the tax break schemes aren't working; and stop bombarding business with new regulations."
PKK, the eighth largest firm of accountants and business advisors in the UK, surveyed its clients and contacts throughout the UK in February.
Related Northern Ireland Business News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
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.
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.
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.
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).
18 January 2018
Cyber 101: Business Skills Bootcamp
Digital Catapult has announced a programme of business skills bootcamps, which will take place across the UK and aims to grow the UK's cyber security sector.
Cyber 101: Business Skills Bootcamp
Digital Catapult has announced a programme of business skills bootcamps, which will take place across the UK and aims to grow the UK's cyber security sector.
-
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.
