Bidding wars are back as the skills shortage pushes up pay in the City January 26, 2015 One-fifth of all Londoners moving jobs receive a counter-offer from their existing employer, recruiter Randstad said today. On average, the offer needs to give the jobseeker a 17 per cent pay rise to persuade them to stay. In London, 20 per cent of movers end up in a bidding war. By contrast, only eight per [...]
There’s hard evidence that soft skills are key to success in business January 18, 2015 I’m regularly asked how to get ahead at work and what lessons there are from my own success in business. The answer often surprises people. It’s not just about qualifications. It’s not about my education or background. I’d actually put my success down to something called soft skills – the vital abilities in areas such [...]
New year job search: Pay soars amid skills shortage January 9, 2015 2015 could be the best year yet for anyone looking to switch jobs, as pay soars amid a skills shortage, according to figures by the Recruitment and Employment Confederation (REC). The report, in conjunction with KPMG, found that a lack of suitable candidates has pushed pay up across the board. This came after a good [...]
Skills shortage and higher pay are hurting London companies January 6, 2015 London’s businesses want to grow to match the recovering economy, but are being held back by a lack of skilled workers, according to study out yesterday from the London Chambers of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) and ComRes. Growth will improve this year, according to 42 per cent of businesses in the capital. As a result, [...]
Skills shortage poses threat to UK businesses January 4, 2015 A shortage of skills in the UK could blight firms’ 2015 expansion plans, new survey data suggests. Of 500 firms surveyed, 39 per cent said a lack of skilled workers would have negative impact on their business, according to figures released today by the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales (ICAEW). A potential [...]
Stricter immigration rules, lack of skills and red tape could stunt UK firms’ hiring plans December 21, 2014 UK firms are worried that a lack of skills, stricter immigration rules, and over-regulation could scupper their plans to expand next year. Business are looking to take on more workers with 50 per cent of firms planning to add to their headcount in 2015, according to survey data released today by the Confederation of British [...]
Christmas charity: Giving essential skills to those who need them December 11, 2014 This Christmas, City A.M. is presenting five of its favourite charities to inspire readers’ festive charitable giving – our fourth charity is build it. Skills are a much needed commodity in developing nations and equipping members of a community with the power to build can have transformational and long-lasting effects. This is Built It International’s mantra [...]
David Cameron announces creation of London’s first digital skills hub in 2015 December 8, 2014 David Cameron has announced the creation of the UK's first digital skills hub, as part of a government drive to boost the take-up of maths, science and technology subjects. The National College for Digital Skills, opening in London next year, will equip students with the technological skills needed to "compete in the global economy". It aims [...]
Ed Vaizey: Why we must not underestimate the importance of digital skills December 8, 2014 Coding is often thought of as a niche activity – the preserve of a few individuals working in advanced IT professions. In reality, it is something anyone can learn and is a vital tool in the technological revolution that has transformed the way we all live and work – from how we spend our leisure [...]
Graduates and school leavers do not have skills employers need November 24, 2014 Employers are increasingly struggling to fill entry-level jobs as graduates and school-leavers are often lacking key skills, according to a Totaljobs.com report out today. One in seven firms has been unable to fill an entry-level vacancy in the past three years. At the same time, 15 per cent of recent graduates remain unemployed, and 20 [...]