Urgent need to tackle shortage of skilled workers

That’s according to new research from finance firm Aviva

Tackling the shortage of skilled workers has become urgent as firms face ongoing Brexit-related problems, new research suggests.

Economic concerns top a list of issues highlighted in a survey of 1,251 business leaders as industry emerges from the pandemic.

Finance firm Aviva said its study indicated that more than seven out of 10 businesses are worried about skills shortages, saying there was now an urgent need to tackle the problem.

Climate change was only mentioned as a top risk by 8% of respondents, well bellow the impact of Brexit and Covid-19, supply chain problems and changes in legislation and regulation.

Adam Winslow, Aviva’s chief executive, UK & Ireland General Insurance, said: “Aviva’s Risk Insights Report captures British businesses as they emerge from the pandemic, eager to grow, but still clearly constrained by a host of pressing and interconnected risks.

“Concerns about the economy, the workforce and the trading environment cannot be seen in isolation, and the risk they pose can be reduced through foresight, careful planning and active management.

“Climate change is noticeably absent in business leaders’ top risks. It cannot be dismissed as someone else’s responsibility.

“Cop26 has shown us that businesses have a key role to play in tackling climate change and their commercial operations and reputation will be under threat if they fail to take action.”

Published: 18/11/2021 by Radio NewsHub