Menu
30/06/2023
NI Business Urged To Focus On Untapped Potential In Workforce
NI businesses have been encouraged to turn their attention to untapped potential in the workforce, a key recommendation in this year's Business Barometer report published by The Open University and the British Chambers of Commerce.
The annual report highlights that despite 68% of local organisations facing skills shortages, over a third (36%) of those businesses surveyed don't have any specific initiatives, skills programmes or workplace adjustments in place for specific talent pools, including underrepresented groups such as people with disabilities, workers over 50, or workers with childcare responsibilities.
This highlights a key opportunity for organisations to begin to address their skills gaps by engaging and supporting the needs of groups that traditionally may have been overlooked in the labour market.
The need to develop a clear pipeline of talent internally comes against a backdrop of long-term skills shortages driven by a range of factors including retirement, illness, and staff salary expectations. In addition, an increase in digitalisation, automation and the Net Zero imperative are creating demands for new and additional skills in the workplace that are in short supply.
"This report provides further evidence of a structural skills shortage in Northern Ireland," said John D'Arcy, Director of The Open University in Ireland.
"We recently hosted a roundtable event with Northern Ireland Chamber of Commerce where leaders from business and industry discussed how the mismatch between the skills of the workforce and the demands of the labour market is hindering economic growth and development.
"The roundtable highlighted the strong need for short bite-sized learning, a flexible and accessible approach to upskilling, which can help bridge the gap and equip workers with the skills they need to succeed in a changing workplace."
Explaining the crucial role The Open University (OU) plays here John added: "The OU has vast experience working with organisations in a collaborative manner to address the longstanding skills shortage challenge. We build long-term relationships with partners, based on a deep understanding of their business objectives and the flexible way that we deliver our courses, utilising the latest online technology, means our learning can fit around business priorities and personal responsibilities."
The skills gap is reflected in the recruitment process with 24% of organisations saying they have been prevented from filling roles due to lack of applicants.
Exactly what skills are in short supply varies across organisation size and sector, but in Northern Ireland, where there was a higher proportion of larger organisations surveyed, the number one skill shortage was Accountants (including trainee-chartered accountants). Medical (inc. pharmacists, nurses, doctors, optometrists, optical and ear professionals) came second and Skilled (inc. technicians, skilled labourers, joinery, builder, panel fitters, electricians, welders and fitters) came in at number three.
The main impacts of recruitment difficulties and skills shortages were felt by existing staff. 70% of organisations in Northern Ireland say skills shortages have increased the workload on existing staff, with reduced activity or output and decreased staff morale and well-being also being reported.
While employers need to invest more in workplace training and development, and in creating more accessible and flexible workspaces, there is also a need for Government to do more.
"An accessible and flexible approach to lifelong learning is essential for addressing skills, gaps, economic productivity, regional imbalances and social inclusion," said Megan Fearon, Senior Policy Manager for The Open University in Ireland.
"While initiatives such as the Skill Up scheme from the Department for the Economy (DfE) that provided funding for short-courses are to be welcomed, ensuring education is truly accessible for all in the long term is critical.
"We need to see skills investment prioritised through a ring-fenced skills fund that transcends annual budgets, alongside an action plan focusing on inclusion and opportunity. This is required to build a modern, prosperous, and sustainable economy. There is an opportunity to deliver this with the DfEs 'Skills for a 10X Economy'."
Once again, the Business Barometer report has shown why it is critical for business, government and the skills sector to work together to resolve skills shortages.
Commenting on the report's findings, Stuart Anderson, Head of Public Affairs at Northern Ireland Chamber of Commerce and Industry (NI Chamber) said: "It is clear from this year's Business Barometer report that the skills shortage has not improved, despite existing efforts from businesses.
"And while the report highlights the struggles organisations are facing, it also identifies potential solutions for employers. In the context of a challenging fiscal environment, NI Chamber is actively encouraging members to consider employer-led solutions to the skills deficit.
"There are big opportunities for organisations who support their hidden talent. Investing in employees and empowering them on long-term career paths is a win-win for all."
The annual report highlights that despite 68% of local organisations facing skills shortages, over a third (36%) of those businesses surveyed don't have any specific initiatives, skills programmes or workplace adjustments in place for specific talent pools, including underrepresented groups such as people with disabilities, workers over 50, or workers with childcare responsibilities.
This highlights a key opportunity for organisations to begin to address their skills gaps by engaging and supporting the needs of groups that traditionally may have been overlooked in the labour market.
The need to develop a clear pipeline of talent internally comes against a backdrop of long-term skills shortages driven by a range of factors including retirement, illness, and staff salary expectations. In addition, an increase in digitalisation, automation and the Net Zero imperative are creating demands for new and additional skills in the workplace that are in short supply.
"This report provides further evidence of a structural skills shortage in Northern Ireland," said John D'Arcy, Director of The Open University in Ireland.
"We recently hosted a roundtable event with Northern Ireland Chamber of Commerce where leaders from business and industry discussed how the mismatch between the skills of the workforce and the demands of the labour market is hindering economic growth and development.
"The roundtable highlighted the strong need for short bite-sized learning, a flexible and accessible approach to upskilling, which can help bridge the gap and equip workers with the skills they need to succeed in a changing workplace."
Explaining the crucial role The Open University (OU) plays here John added: "The OU has vast experience working with organisations in a collaborative manner to address the longstanding skills shortage challenge. We build long-term relationships with partners, based on a deep understanding of their business objectives and the flexible way that we deliver our courses, utilising the latest online technology, means our learning can fit around business priorities and personal responsibilities."
The skills gap is reflected in the recruitment process with 24% of organisations saying they have been prevented from filling roles due to lack of applicants.
Exactly what skills are in short supply varies across organisation size and sector, but in Northern Ireland, where there was a higher proportion of larger organisations surveyed, the number one skill shortage was Accountants (including trainee-chartered accountants). Medical (inc. pharmacists, nurses, doctors, optometrists, optical and ear professionals) came second and Skilled (inc. technicians, skilled labourers, joinery, builder, panel fitters, electricians, welders and fitters) came in at number three.
The main impacts of recruitment difficulties and skills shortages were felt by existing staff. 70% of organisations in Northern Ireland say skills shortages have increased the workload on existing staff, with reduced activity or output and decreased staff morale and well-being also being reported.
While employers need to invest more in workplace training and development, and in creating more accessible and flexible workspaces, there is also a need for Government to do more.
"An accessible and flexible approach to lifelong learning is essential for addressing skills, gaps, economic productivity, regional imbalances and social inclusion," said Megan Fearon, Senior Policy Manager for The Open University in Ireland.
"While initiatives such as the Skill Up scheme from the Department for the Economy (DfE) that provided funding for short-courses are to be welcomed, ensuring education is truly accessible for all in the long term is critical.
"We need to see skills investment prioritised through a ring-fenced skills fund that transcends annual budgets, alongside an action plan focusing on inclusion and opportunity. This is required to build a modern, prosperous, and sustainable economy. There is an opportunity to deliver this with the DfEs 'Skills for a 10X Economy'."
Once again, the Business Barometer report has shown why it is critical for business, government and the skills sector to work together to resolve skills shortages.
Commenting on the report's findings, Stuart Anderson, Head of Public Affairs at Northern Ireland Chamber of Commerce and Industry (NI Chamber) said: "It is clear from this year's Business Barometer report that the skills shortage has not improved, despite existing efforts from businesses.
"And while the report highlights the struggles organisations are facing, it also identifies potential solutions for employers. In the context of a challenging fiscal environment, NI Chamber is actively encouraging members to consider employer-led solutions to the skills deficit.
"There are big opportunities for organisations who support their hidden talent. Investing in employees and empowering them on long-term career paths is a win-win for all."
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
01 July 2022
NI Businesses Impacted By Skills Shortages
Northern Ireland businesses are experiencing the effect of ongoing skills shortages and recruitment challenges, according to the latest Business Barometer 2022 report from The Open University.
NI Businesses Impacted By Skills Shortages
Northern Ireland businesses are experiencing the effect of ongoing skills shortages and recruitment challenges, according to the latest Business Barometer 2022 report from The Open University.
03 June 2019
Deloitte Launches Grad Training Scheme
Graduates from Northern Ireland can now apply for an exciting high quality training programme with Deloitte. 24 spaces are available on the Deloitte Assured Skills Academy which gives participants the opportunity to gain the skills needed for a career in business consultancy using the latest technology and software.
Deloitte Launches Grad Training Scheme
Graduates from Northern Ireland can now apply for an exciting high quality training programme with Deloitte. 24 spaces are available on the Deloitte Assured Skills Academy which gives participants the opportunity to gain the skills needed for a career in business consultancy using the latest technology and software.
27 November 2019
PwC To Create 600 Jobs In NI
Professional services company PwC is set to create 600 new jobs in Northern Ireland over the next five years. The Department for the Economy has collaborated with Belfast Met, Ulster University (UU) and PwC to introduce the £4.4 million training programme of skills academies. The initiatives will be delivered by Belfast Met and the university.
PwC To Create 600 Jobs In NI
Professional services company PwC is set to create 600 new jobs in Northern Ireland over the next five years. The Department for the Economy has collaborated with Belfast Met, Ulster University (UU) and PwC to introduce the £4.4 million training programme of skills academies. The initiatives will be delivered by Belfast Met and the university.
06 September 2021
New FinTrU North West Assured Skills Academy Launches
A new FinTrU North West Assured Skills Academy offering 20 high quality training places for people with degrees has been launched in Northern Ireland. The Assured Skills Academy will offer a four-week intensive training course with North West Regional College and Ulster University to develop core skills for the business services sector.
New FinTrU North West Assured Skills Academy Launches
A new FinTrU North West Assured Skills Academy offering 20 high quality training places for people with degrees has been launched in Northern Ireland. The Assured Skills Academy will offer a four-week intensive training course with North West Regional College and Ulster University to develop core skills for the business services sector.
24 August 2021
New Assured Skills Academy Opens In NI
A new Assured Skills Academy has opened with PwC offering 20 training places. Successful applicants receive eight weeks of industry-relevant pre-employment training at Belfast Met and Ulster University.
New Assured Skills Academy Opens In NI
A new Assured Skills Academy has opened with PwC offering 20 training places. Successful applicants receive eight weeks of industry-relevant pre-employment training at Belfast Met and Ulster University.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
