The BCC is calling on businesses of all sizes and in all sectors in the UK to invest in workforce training as a key driver for economic success and improved productivity performance.
BCC is calling on businesses of all sizes and in all sectors in the UK to invest in workforce training as a key driver for economic success and improved productivity performance.
The business group is publishing further findings from its 2014 Workforce Survey: Training and Skills, which show that an overwhelming majorityof firms (92%) have identified a skills shortage among their workforce in at least one key competency.
Results from the survey of nearly 3,000 businesses from across the UK suggest the most common skills shortages are leadership and management, planning and organisation, languages, computer literacy and creativity.
In order to address these skills gaps, most respondents (80%) have indicated plans to invest in training their workforce over the next 12 months.
The majority of businesses strongly agree (78%) that training is worthy of investment as a driver for growth and improving productivity performance, with large businesses most likely to strongly agree (90%). Four in ten firms (39%) plan to invest more than £500 per employee in external training over the next year. However, the major barriers to training investment are: cost (50%), freeing up staff to participate in training (31%), and a lack of suitable courses (19%).
Companies looking for guidance on appropriate training courses are turning to private training providers, (71%) sector based bodies (38%) and further education colleges (35%) to source and deliver training, frequently brokered by local Chambers of Commerce.
The BCC’s Workforce Survey highlights that 92% of businesses have identified a skills shortage among their workforce in at least one key area
- Most common skills shortages are leadership and management, planning and organisation, languages, computer literacy and creativity
- 80% of businesses surveyed have plans to invest in training. 39% plan to invest more than £500 per staff member
- Cost, staff availability and a lack of suitable courses remain key barriers for businesses looking to invest in training.
