Vacancies | Nearly half of UK businesses are short-staffed

Nearly half of UK businesses (46%) are currently struggling with staff shortages, according to new research by Indeed Flex, the online marketplace for flexible and temporary work. 

A survey of 2,000 UK business owners and hiring managers reveals that nearly a fifth (38%) of firms that are short-staffed say the biggest challenge is filling vacancies, while a third (34%) say it’s retaining talent.

Recruitment has been made harder for a lot of firms following the rise in National Insurance Contributions (NIC) and increases to the National Minimum Wage and Living Wage on April 1st.

Separate research by Indeed Flex reveals that 60% of UK businesses say April's National Insurance hike will slow down hiring this year.