The research, published in a new report by skills development organisation City & Guilds, revealed that 74% of employers across the devolved nations agree that it is getting harder to find candidates with the ‘soft skills’ they need, with aptitudes like self & time management, face-to-face communication, and growth mindsets more difficult to find within these nations than in other regions.
The report found that the consequences of these skills shortages were already in evidence, with more than a third of employers experiencing operational errors and delays, increased staff turnover, low morale and lower efficiency as a direct result.
And nearly three-quarters of employers nationally (74%) say soft skills (also termed ’employability’ skills) are now more important than technical expertise for workplace success.
The report also revealed factors which could account for the skills shortage, with half of the young people surveyed (50%) saying anxiety or mental health conditions have affected their confidence when communicating face-to-face. More than a quarter (27%) reported that pandemic-related factors had impacted their confidence, with significant numbers responding that they simply do not know where to turn for support.
In contrast, young people taking apprenticeships were the most likely to feel completely confident in face-to-face communication skills (48%), with three quarters (74%) benefiting from dedicated employability skills training – more than any other segment.
In 2024, City & Guilds published research revealing that nearly half of respondents in Wales (47%) did not feel they had the skills required to enter the workforce.
Andy Moss, Interim Chief Executive Officer of City & Guilds, said:
“Employers are telling us loud and clear that employability skills matter just as much as technical know-how, if not more. Yet we’re now seeing a growing human skills shortage. Our findings confirm that apprenticeships and vocational training are highly effective routes to developing the employability skills businesses need, together with the practical experience that’s critical for success in today’s workplace.”
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