RECRUITMENT intentions amongst firms in Northern Ireland remained strong in the first quarter of 2017.
The findings from the latest Quarterly Economic Survey (QES) published by Northern Ireland Chamber of Commerce and Industry (NI Chamber) and business advisors BDO showed that around two-thirds of businesses, in both the manufacturing and service sectors, have tried to recruit new staff over the last three months.
The survey did however reveal that both sectors are experiencing significant recruitment difficulties with 75 per cent of manufacturers and 65 per cent of services stating that they have had difficulties finding suitable staff, particularly professional/managerial staff and skilled trades for manufacturers.
Commenting on the report’s findings, Christopher Morrow, Head of Policy at NI Chamber, said: “Northern Ireland is a ‘lagging area’ when it comes to skills.
“Our overall international composite skills ranking is low and members believe that there is a serious mismatch between the skills people have and the job requirements in Northern Ireland.
“Improving skills at all levels is essential in supporting Northern Ireland to bridge the gap with other regions of the UK and more widely.”