Major digital skills deficit hurting Scottish business

Appeal: SCC calls for government help to tackle knowledge gap

The government has been urged to act to tackle a major digital skills deficit threatening future economic growth in Scotland.

Liz Cameron, chief executive of Scottish Chambers of Commerce, said the situation was preventing some firms from reaching their potential.

She was speaking as a new British Chambers of Commerce report revealed more than 80% of UK firms had identified a shortage of digital skills within their business.

The situation came despite a similar number saying digital and IT experience was more important to their business than it was two years ago.

Companies also flagged time pressures, difficulty in finding appropriate training and high costs as reasons why they were struggling to upskill their existing workforces.

“Digital skills are vital to growing productivity in Scotland’s businesses and to getting our economy back on track,” Ms Cameron said.

“Without access to the right skills, too many of our businesses will not reach their full potential.

“While the vast majority of businesses clearly recognise this fact, it is concerning so many are reporting knowledge gaps and skills shortages that are having an impact on business.

“That is why it is important that our governments at a Scottish and UK level work harder to reduce business costs through taxation in order to free up the resources that businesses need to invest in these skills for the future.”

Ms Cameron said future migration policy should recognise the digital skills shortage and ensure companies could continue to recruit from overseas.