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CONFIDENCE IS THE FOUNDATION
Business confidence is the foundation on which future investment , innovation and job generation is built . But companies are concerned about the availability of people with the right skills now and that this will persist for the long-term . Ongoing skills gaps ranked as the most commonly cited threat to competitiveness ( 64 %) and for a second year topped the list of worries for the future ( 58 %).
With apprenticeship levy implementation starting next year , businesses have reaffirmed their long standing commitment to skills and training . A balance of + 26 % of firms plan to expand their apprentice recruitment numbers next year , slightly up on last year ’ s findings (+ 19 %).
While worries continue to grow about future access to skilled migrants as a threat to competitiveness ( 58 %), up from 31 % in 2015 , almost as many of this year ’ s respondents ( 50 %) were concerned about access to non-graduate migrants needed to fill labour shortages in key sectors .
Josh Hardie said : “ Businesses need the confidence they can employ the right people at the right time . They will continue to invest heavily in skills and training , working with the Government to grow the skills base needed for a thriving economy . But having an immigration system that provides access to both skills and labour , whilst addressing the public ’ s concerns is essential .
“ As we enter a new phase of UK-EU relations , it is imperative that employers are supported effectively so our labour market continues to perform . There is a clear opportunity for the Government to work in partnership with business to position the UK as an attractive global hub and strong economy .”
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Josh Hardie , CBI Deputy- Director General
AGILE AND INCLUSIVE
Businesses are creating agile and inclusive workplaces that support economic prosperity across the whole of the UK . Over three quarters ( 76 %) of respondents reported that a diverse and inclusive workforce is vital or important to the future success of their organisation . They report a range of benefits of inclusive workplace practices including increased skills ( 73 %), attraction and retention of staff ( 60 %) and engagement levels ( 46 %). The vast majority of companies ( 77 %) have taken steps over the past 5 years to build more inclusive workplace , including action on flexible working opportunities ( 60 %), training for line management ( 57 %) and improving progression opportunities for staff ( 56 %). But challenges remain for many businesses ( 67 %) with obstacles such as workplace culture and the mindset of management yet to be overcome in introducing more inclusive workplace practices .
Neil Carberry , CBI Director for People and Skills policy , said : “ Inclusion is at the heart of boosting productivity because it helps ensure firms hire from a broad talent pool , and then
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help people give their best every day . Well-managed , engaged and supported staff are the key to boosting productivity , while boosting diversity often leads to better decision-making . “ Ultimately , companies that place inclusion and staff engagement at their heart are more productive and better able to secure the skills they need and hold on to them . These firms use effective management to tackle the barriers of corporate culture that the survey identifies . “ That ’ s why many firms don ’ t only see it as the right thing to do , they are already leading from the front with their great stories of what action they are doing across the UK .”
OTHER HIGHLIGHTS FROM THE SURVEY INCLUDE :
• 33 % of survey respondents expect to create permanent positions , while 14 % expect lower , giving a balance of + 19 %.
• 14 % of companies expect to create temporary roles , while 12 % expect a reduction in roles , giving a balance of balance , + 2 %
• 30 % of firms expect to create apprenticeship positions , while 4 % expect lower levels
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of recruitment , giving a balance of + 26 %
• 20 % expect to expand graduate roles , with 4 % plan to see fewer roles , giving a balance of + 16 % – the same balance as 2015
• The majority of firms ( 77 %) report positive employee relations and a similar proportion ( 76 %) anticipate this continuing into 2017
• Businesses are aware of the value of employee engagement , pointing to benefits including improved productivity and performance ( 73 %), increased customer and client satisfaction ( 57 %) and improved employee retention ( 44 %)
• In the coming year , the top workforce priorities for businesses are achieving and maintaining high levels of employee engagement ( 48 %), retaining talent ( 41 %) and improving leadership skills ( 37 %)
• Survey respondents emphasised that the future migration system must be responsive to economic need ( 45 %) and provide access to both labour ( 46 %) and skills ( 40 %).
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