The skills crunch: upskilling the workforce of the future

[This report] has assessed the current business landscape across the UK, examining growth prospects and how workforces are equipped to meet demands. The findings reveal renewed confidence amongst senior executives with regards to demand for their business services and optimism for the UK economy. However, the responses also raise concerns about how workforces are lacking the skills to meet these demands and the ramifications this could have longer-term, both for the survival and prosperity of their company, and the UK economy.

Employers are increasingly looking to the next generation to help fill the skills gaps they are facing. However, the research also shows that young people - particularly those who are currently unemployed - still face stigma and negative stereotyping from business leaders. Too many senior executives admit that they overlook applications from unemployed young people and that they need to be more open-minded when it comes to recruiting young people. With a third of employers reporting skills shortages at entry level and more than 817,000 young people struggling to find a job, it is more important than ever for businesses to give jobless young people a chance.

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