June 16, 2023

UK Skills Shortages: An Overview of Sectors and Jobs in High Demand

The UK has been facing significant skills shortages in several sectors and job roles in recent years. The problem has been exacerbated by Brexit and the COVID-19 pandemic, which have both impacted the supply of skilled workers in the UK. In this article, we will explore the sectors and job roles that are most affected by skills shortages and why this is a growing concern for businesses and the UK economy.

Sectors with Skills Shortages:

Health and Social Care: The UK’s ageing population has created a significant demand for workers in the health and social care sector. The demand for qualified nurses, doctors, and social care workers has been consistently high, with many hospitals and care homes struggling to recruit and retain staff. This is particularly evident in more specialised areas such as mental health and paediatrics.

IT and Digital: The UK’s booming tech sector has also been hit by skills shortages, particularly in areas such as cybersecurity, data analysis, and software development. This is due to a lack of graduates and young people entering the industry with the necessary skills and qualifications.

Engineering and Construction: The UK has a shortage of engineers and skilled construction workers, particularly in areas such as civil engineering and quantity surveying. The industry is also struggling to attract younger workers, with a significant proportion of the workforce due to retire in the coming years.

Manufacturing: Manufacturing in the UK is also facing a skills shortage, particularly in the areas of welding, machining, and maintenance. The industry is also struggling to attract younger workers, with many schools and colleges no longer offering apprenticeships and vocational training in these areas.

Transport and Logistics: The UK’s logistics and transport sector are also experiencing a skills shortage, particularly in the areas of HGV driving and logistics management. This is due to a combination of an ageing workforce and difficulties in attracting younger workers to the industry.

Job Roles with Skills Shortages:

Software Developers: Software developers are in high demand in the UK, particularly those with experience in programming languages such as Java, Python, and C++. Many businesses are struggling to find suitable candidates for these roles, with many having to recruit from overseas.

Nurses and Healthcare Workers: The UK’s health and social care sector has a significant shortage of nurses and healthcare workers, particularly in areas such as mental health and social care. The demand for these roles is likely to continue to grow as the population ages.

Electricians and Plumbers: The UK has a shortage of skilled electricians and plumbers, particularly in areas outside of major cities. This is due to a lack of young people entering the trades, as well as an ageing workforce due to retire in the coming years.

Construction Workers: The UK’s construction industry is also facing a skills shortage, particularly in areas such as bricklaying, carpentry, and plastering. This is due to a lack of young people entering the industry and difficulties in attracting workers from overseas due to Brexit.

Data Analysts: The UK’s growing digital economy has created a significant demand for data analysts, particularly those with experience in big data and artificial intelligence. Many businesses are struggling to find suitable candidates for these roles, with many having to recruit from overseas.

Conclusion: Skills shortages are a growing concern for businesses and the UK economy, particularly in sectors such as health and social care, IT, engineering, manufacturing, and logistics. The shortage of skilled workers is due to a combination of factors, including an ageing workforce, difficulties in attracting younger workers, and a lack of investment in vocational training and apprenticeships. Businesses and policymakers need to work together to address these issues and ensure that the UK has the skilled workforce it needs to remain competitive in the global market.

Source: British Institute of Recruiters
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