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Small firms struggle to find skilled staff as unemployment set to rise again

15 Dec 11

New figures have shown that small businesses are having difficulty in finding skilled staff, ahead of high unemployment statistics.

The data from the survey, which looked into the barriers small businesses face when starting-up, comes as the All Party Parliamentary Small Business Group (APPSBG) and the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) launch an investigation into entrepreneurship.

Chairman of the Small Business APPG, Brian Binley MP said, "We hear from small businesses time-and-time again that they are finding it difficult to get staff with the skills necessary to run their businesses.

“Small and medium sized businesses and entrepreneurs are expected to be driving economic growth in support of Britain's recovery but they are finding it difficult to get the right people to help them in that task.”

The study, which included 10,000 respondents, has been one of the most extensive pieces of research during the recession.  As it was found that 95 per cent of private sector businesses are employing less than 20 members of staff, the entrepreneur inquiry will look at how these firms can be encouraged to take on staff. 

It will also be investigated how potential entrepreneurs can be supported in setting up their own business against the UK’s uncertain economic times.

John Walker, National Chairman of the FSB said, “Challenges posed to entrepreneurs will always vary, but we know from our members that common issues at start-up stage include, finding suitably skilled staff, complex regulation and access to finance.

“With the private sector being relied on to drive economic recovery, these barriers need to be removed – budding entrepreneurs should be supported in setting-up in business, and existing businesses should be encouraged to innovate, take on staff and grow.”

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