Report finds SMEs facing recruitment struggles

07 Sep 2022

Eight in ten small businesses are finding it difficult to recruit staff, according to a report published by the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB).

The FSB's 'Scaling up Skills' report found that over 80% of small firms are flagging a lack of relevant qualifications, skills and experience among candidates as a problem, while 60% say a lack of applicants is an issue. 

More positively, five in six small employers provided training for themselves and their staff in the previous 12 months, with seven days of training and development per staff member on average.

Though critical to future sustainable growth, only a quarter of small employers say they have undertaken leadership and management training over the same period.

FSB Policy Chair, Tina McKenzie, said: 'Our members tell us their growth potential is being held back by a lack of appropriately skilled staff, with vital roles going unfilled, ultimately harming the economy.

'This skills and training deficit is a perennial issue, but far from an insoluble one. Our report sets out a roadmap for change on every level, from schools to apprenticeships to workplaces.'