UK employers embrace foreign workers to meet talent shortages

ï 20% of employers turn to foreign workers to address skills shortage
ï UK second most popular destination for global workers
ï 53% of UK workers consider moving abroad for work
ï Poland, India, Latvia top sources for foreign skills


One in five (20%) of UK employers are welcoming foreign labour to meet the UKís continuing talent shortages, according to Manpower, the UKís leading employment services company. At the same time, over one half (53%) of UK workers would consider moving abroad for work ñ with Europe, Australia, the US, Norway and Canada topping the destination wish-list.

The research reveals that globally the UK is the second most popular location for workers to relocate to for work (behind the US) and the first destination of choice among workers in EMEA (Europe, the Middle East and Africa).

The insights ñ revealed today in Manpowerís global Borderless Workforce survey of over 28,000 employers and 29,800 workers ñ shows that the global labour market is one of mobility. The survey reveals that UK employers are using foreign labour to address shortages in a variety of hard to fill UK roles: labourers, chefs/cooks, skilled trades, PAs & administrative assistants, accounting & finance staff, doctors and nursing staff. The research also reveals that the most popular countries of origin for workers coming to the UK are: Poland, India, Latvia, Australia and Lithuania.

Mark Cahill, Managing Director of Manpower UK, says: ìThe UK has a widely recognised skills shortage which many employers are struggling with. By being open-minded about how this can be addressed ñ including looking to overseas talent ñ many employers are able to meet these challenges. As pressures from an ageing workforce and low birth-rate grow, these shortages will become more apparent.

ìWorkers coming to the UK cover a wide spectrum of roles from highly skilled positions such as medical doctors and accountants to manual trades and labourers. What is consistent is that these people are motivated to work and are able to address skills shortages.î

According to the data, UK employers are not overly worried about UK workers considering moving abroad with less than one in five (18%) concerned about the impact this might have on the local labour market. The data also reveals that UK workers are highly-respected with global employers citing UK workers as the fourth most popular for filling their talent shortages.

Mark Cahill continues: ìMany UK workers would consider a move abroad for work to experience new cultures and to develop new skills. At the same time, the UK is benefiting from foreign workers who bring much needed skills and help add to the diversity of the workplace.î

The research reveals that for many UK workers a move abroad is a temporary event with 50% looking to return within three years. At the same time, 38% see this as a permanent move. Of those surveyed, 77% say a move is to increase their salary, 76% to advance their careers and 65% to experience a new culture.

Mark Cahill adds: ìTodayís labour market has a constant circulation of workers ñ out of the UK as well as into the country. The UKís flexible labour market is of huge benefit to many employers and employees and we believe is key to the success of the economy. Whilst this flow continues it is a win-win for everyone. But it is important to ensure that the right recruitment and retention policies are in place for employers to attract, identify and hold onto those individuals who will make the difference to their business.î