‘Skilled staff in short supply’

Almost half of businesses in the South West are experiencing a shortage of skilled workers, new analysis has found.

A study drawing on data from the Office for National Statistics found 44% of firms based in the region were impacted by the shortages more than in any other part of the country and 8% above the national average.

According to the research Wales had the second highest percentage of companies with recruitment struggles (42.5%), fractionally ahead of the East Midlands (42.2%).

Tax relief specialist Access2funding, which is behind the study, said as a result of the lack of staff, 58% of businesses in the South West had employees working overtime, while 40% said they were unable to meet demands.