British employers are currently facing some difficulties when it comes to filling positions, recent figures have suggested.
The latest data from the Office for National Statistics revealed that the number of job vacancies in the country rose in the three months to January and now stands at 476,000. Despite this the country is still struggling with high unemployment rates with 8.4 per cent confirmed at the latest count.
One reason suggested for the high number of jobless individuals is a lack of relevant skills; an area in which UK work permit holders from abroad may be able to help out.
Kevin Green, chief executive of the Recruitment and Employment Confederation, explained: “The fact that the number of job vacancies has risen to 476,000 confirms an urgent need to address the disconnect that currently exists between what employers are looking for and what jobseekers have to offer.”
However, Mr Green added that the jobs market in the UK is finally able to look to the future with optimism. “The feedback from recruitment professionals confirms that demand is increasing in some sectors,” he said, noting that there was an upturn in permanent placements in the latest REC Report on Jobs for the first time in four months.
With the return to business growth in Britain comes an increased likelihood that employers will need to turn to foreign talent with UK work permits in order to secure their future.