SMEs facing recruitment struggles

Eight in ten small businesses are finding it difficult to recruit staff, according to a report published by the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB).

The FSB's 'Scaling up Skills' report found that over 80% of small firms are flagging a lack of relevant qualifications, skills and experience among candidates as a problem, while 60% say a lack of applicants is also an issue.

More positively, five in six small employers provided training for themselves and/or their staff in the previous 12 months, with seven days of training and development per staff member on average.

Though critical to future sustainable growth, only a quarter of small employers say they have undertaken leadership and management training over the same period.

FSB Policy Chair, Tina McKenzie, said:

'Our members tell us their growth potential is being held back by a lack of appropriately skilled staff, with vital roles going unfilled, ultimately harming the economy.

'This skills and training deficit is a perennial issue, but far from an insoluble one. Our report sets out a roadmap for change on every level, from schools to apprenticeships to workplaces.'

Address

Malcolm Piper & Company Limited, Kingsnorth House, Blenheim Way , Birmingham B44 8LS

Contact us today!

0121 382 1000

© 2025 Malcolm Piper & Company Limited. All rights reserved.
Registered in England and Wales. Company registered number 07678988. VAT number 114 8037 37
Registered office: Malcolm Piper & Company Limited, Kingsnorth House, Blenheim Way , Birmingham B44 8LS
Registered with the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales, number C002905991

We use cookies on this website, you can find more information about cookies here.