UK needs a skills boost

A skills shortage has reached “critical” levels, one of Britain’s biggest groups has warned.

The British Chambers of Commerce said a lack of trained workers had become acute, and this is before the UK leaves the EU.

A record 71% of firms in the service sector – covering everything from restaurants and shops to banks – are facing recruitment difficulties, a poll by the BCC found.

It is a similar picture for manufacturers, who also said exports are falling despite a boost from the weak pound.

BCC director general Dr Adam Marshall said: “Labour and skills shortages are set to be the biggest potential drag anchor on business in 2018, since ultimately it is people that make businesses work.”