UK employers ‘welcoming foreign workers’

A significant number of employers in the UK are turning to foreign workers in order to address the current skills shortage, new research suggests.

Produced by Manpower, the study found that 20 per cent of organisations surveyed are welcoming foreign labour to fill talent gaps.

Meanwhile, over half (53 per cent) of British workers questioned said they would be prepared to move abroad in order to find employment, with Europe, North America, Australia and Norway being the most desired locations.

"The UK has a widely recognised skills shortage which many employers are struggling with," stated Mark Cahill, managing director of Manpower UK.

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"By being open-minded about how this can be addressed – including looking to overseas talent – many employers are able to meet these challenges," he added.

Mr Cahill went on to say that the pressures from an ageing workforce and low birth-rate will see skills shortages become increasingly apparent.

In other recruitment news, Paul Farrer, chairman of pfj, recently advised companies to invest in graduates, saying that doing so helps to create a loyal workforce.