Workers from new EU states could help address UK skills shortage

One month after the expansion of the EU to include the 10 new accession countries, there has been no significant influx of workers to the UK, according to a Manpower report ëEU enlargement one month oní released 8 July 2004. However, those workers who have sought employment in the UK are starting to bring the right skills to address current skills shortages in the UK - and by attracting workers who can fill the most acute skills gaps, the newest EU member states can make a significant impact on the UKís skills shortage

The Manpower report, compiled from an analysis of data from the Manpower UK branch network of 300 offices, shows that more than half of branches (52%) reported an increase of less than 10 jobseekers from the new member states, while a further 20% reported between 10-20 new job seekers. 16% of Manpower branches reported more than 20 new job seekers whilst 11% reported no job seekers at all.

Manpowerís findings support the view that workers from new accession countries will enter the UK labour market over the next few years, but a flood of new migrants is unlikely. In addition, these workers, who can enjoy the benefits and opportunities of the UKís flexible labour market, can also play a key role in alleviating the countryís skills shortage.

Separate independent research conducted for Manpower by NOP shows that 21% of UK companies are experiencing skills shortages in a variety of areas. 39% of employers are reporting shortages in the Skilled Trades sector (carpenters, plumbers, etc.), together with skills gaps in Customer Service (20%) and for general Office positions (17%). At the same time, the research shows that 22% of companies believe that using workers from new accession countries could help plug this gap.

Ruth Hounslow, Head of Public Affairs at Manpower, comments: ìIt is widely recognised that there is a shortage of skills in the UK. Employers need to be flexible to consider a wide range of people for these hard to fill roles, be they unemployed people, women returning to work, those with disabilities, older workers or those from the new EU accession countries. A number of workers from the new EU countries are gaining employment in the UK, which is a positive trend. Manpower will continue to work with employers to find more ways to attract the right people with skills in the key shortage areas.î

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