Skills shortage hampers CEOs growth plans

Nearly two thirds (64%) of UK business leaders see a shortage of skills as the biggest threat to their growth plans, a global PwC survey of 1,300 CEOs has revealed.

A quarter of UK business leaders plan to increase their headcount by up to five per cent in the next 12 months, but many are concerned that they won't be able to find the people with the right skills to fill these positions.

The skills gap is hampering recruitment efforts across sectors, with technology and engineering firms reporting the most chronic shortage of skilled employees.