Recruitment struggles Region’s businesses finding it hard to fill jobs

COMPANIES in the West Country are facing hurdles in attracting new talent, a new report has revealed. Business West’s latest Quarterly Economic Survey, which polls businesses around the region, found that 63% of firms are struggling to fill jobs.

Despite concerns expressed by 19% of businesses about the current labour market, 42% are actively seeking new hires.

Of the firms questioned, 63% are optimistic about their own prospects, but only 16% said the same for the UK economy at large.

John Spear of epi Consulting in Gloucestershire, said his firm wanted to set up a local office with 15 staff members – but hasn’t been able to do it.

“We’ve had to go for the work from home model,” he said. “We need local policies to support building local skills pools.”

Fiona Scott, of Scott Media in Swindon, added: “It’s hard to be very confident due to many external factors which are affecting business which has been a common theme this decade. It’s time to dig in and keep going.”

Meanwhile, 60% of firms said they expected turnover improvement this year, with 44% looking forward to profitability gains.

Matt Griffith, director of policy at Business West, said: “It is encouraging to see so many companies are wanting to recruit. However, filling roles still remains a challenge. This is clearly an issue that needs to be tackled by whichever government that comes in.

“We are concerned to see a decline in export sales, with global trade remaining tough. On the whole, businesses are having to work harder to meet their goals, especially with the uncertainty in the national economy and the overall lack of confidence among consumers and investors. However optimism is growing and businesses appear to be feeling more upbeat as we move into spring.”