REC calls for more focus on equipping jobseekers with basic skills

The REC has responded to the CBI’s annual audit of the nation’s skills, which showed more than half of employers were not confident they could find enough people with the right skills for their business.

Commenting on the result of this survey, REC Director of External Relations, Tom Hadley, said: “Evidence from REC research has well as the anecdotal feedback from members confirms that skills shortages and the lack of basic skills such as oral and written communication skills are a major concern and will often preclude jobseekers from accessing the labour market.

“The REC has welcomed the employer focus on training and qualifications that are provided to jobseekers but it is also crucial to continue focussing on ensuring the education system equips people with the necessary basic skills to integrate the world of work.”

The REC has continuously pointed out that recruitment agencies are uniquely placed to comment on where the demand for workers does not match the skills available.

Because of this, the REC is committed to working with Government and other key stakeholders to enhance the opportunities for jobseekers and to ensure that we have a 21st century workforce that enables the UK to compete in the global economy.

The REC is a member of the CBI and is represented on a number of its committees and working groups.

Among the key findings of the CBI/Edexcel Education and Skills Survey were:-

- 53 per cent of the employers survey said they lacked confidence in their ability to find enough people with the right skills for their business
- 40 per cent had serious concerns about employees’ basic literacy and numeracy skills
- 40 per cent said poor basic skills was having a serious impact on customer service while another 34 per cent said it had led to lower productivity
- 56 per cent said they were concerned about employees’ IT skills
- 59 per cent of firms employing STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics)-skilled staff say they have difficulty recruiting with a low take-up of these subjects at university being part of the problem
- 36 per cent of larger firms are looking to recruit STEM graduates from India and another 24 per cent from China while 35 per cent of firms say they will look to Europe to recruit in the next three years.

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