Labour shortages and workforce planning
With the end of the Covid restrictions in mid-2021, the number of job vacancies rose at unprecedented rates, at the same time industries across the UK faced record labour and skills shortages, with many members reporting the tightest labour market they’d ever experienced. The REC conducted a survey of members to understand the scale of the issue, which sectors were most affected, if there were any common causes in more than one industry, and to develop solutions to alleviate some of these shortages.
Solutions such as new training offers, better workforce planning, how to attract and retain candidates and how the new immigration system could also play a role.
The data collected from the survey, enhanced by case studies from members, was absolutely vital for this campaign. And so far, we’ve seen some encouraging success, including:
Some of our asks have already been addressed but we know we can do more. We will keep pushing for effective workforce planning to deliver the recovery the UK needs.
Based on our research and engagement with members, the REC developed a number of asks to address labour and skills shortages.
Last week, the Prime Minister asked Matt Warman MP to lead a review into how the government can best support a thriving future UK labour market. As part of the review, Mr Warman will look at how the government could best shape our labour market so it is fit for the future, including short and medium-term barriers and the challenges that the labour market might face, such as the role of automation. He is also expected to explore the role of local labour markets in facilitating access to good jobs as we level up across the country, as well as where skills development is most needed to drive future economic growth.
The REC has written to Matt Warman MP offering our insights and expertise on how government can best support a thriving labour market and how the recruitment industry can play a vital role in that. More detail on the review can be found here.
This shows how we represent our industry in parliament, influencing thinking to achieve change.
Keep up to date with the rest of our parliamentary questions.
Question by Alex Cunningham - for Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy
Labour
To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, what assessment he has made of the implications for his policies of the findings of the Recruitment and Employment Confederation, published 14 September 2021, that labour shortages are the main concern of 88 per cent of recruiters for the remainder of 2021.
Answer by Paul Scully
Conservative
The Government is working closely with industry to address sector challenges, which are being faced by countries around the world.We have expanded the Seasonal Workers Pilot to 30,000 visas for workers to come to the UK for up to six months; and have introduced measures to help tackle the HGV driver shortage.
Full answer here.
Question by Alex Cunningham - for Department of Transport
Labour
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what assessment he has made of the effectiveness of the Driver Certificate of Professional Competence; and whether he plans to amend the requirement for that certificate to help tackle driver shortages.
Answer by Andrew Stephenson
Conservative
In 2016, the Government published a post-implementation review of the Driver Certificate of Professional Competence (DCPC) 2007 regulations. The review considered the extent to which the regulations improved road safety and increased the professionalism of driving as an occupation.
View full answer here.
Question by Alex Cunningham - for Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy
Labour
To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, what recent discussions he has had with the Home Secretary on the introduction of temporary visas for low skilled workers to supply sectors reporting labour shortages.
Answer by Paul Scully
Conservative
My Rt. Hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy has regular discussions with my Rt. Hon. Friend the Home Secretary on a range of issues, including making sure businesses have appropriate access to talent from across the world so that we can build back better from the pandemic and support the national economic recovery.
View full answer here.
Our main goal is to achieve our asks and ensure our industry is represented at the highest levels of government. Here are some of the things we’ve achieved so far.
We collected data from across the industry to understand the scale and complexity of the labour and skills shortages, here are our findings.
Share this article
