Initial Findings and Analysis
Employers relate skills shortage with the recruitment process rather than to their current workforce.
To determine the perception of businesses regarding the future of their staff, respondents were asked whether they believed their current staff possess the necessary skills needed for how the business grows and evolves in the next three years. The results to this question agreed with the question on current skills gaps. In other words, where employers assessed their current staff positively in terms of skills needed for their current role, they also tended to believe that their staff will be as good in the future. Nearly 60% of the respondents agreed or strongly agreed.
The fact that staff are proficient at present does not automatically mean that they will have the skills to face future changes. Employers should base their forecast of future skills requirements based on the assessment of their sector and the economy and not simply assume that employees will be as good in the future. Accordingly, training programmes for staff should be developed to upgrade their skills as the business expands, adopts new technology or develops new production processes.
This information will be one of the key foundations of the GM LSIP.
Do you agree with the initial findings?
We’d like to hear your thoughts. Contact the team via gmlsip@gmchamber.co.uk.