UK will be short of skilled workers by 2050 - report

Published on 21/01/2013 12:13

THE UK will be short of more than three million skilled workers by 2050 unless a shortage of suitably-trained employees is not tackled, a new report has warned.

Teachers will be in shortest supply, followed by construction workers and nurses, said recruitment firm Randstad.

The UK is already suffering skills shortages across many industries, while 70% of nuclear energy workers will be retired by 2025, the study said.

Around 60% of the population will be of working age by 2050, compared with 66% today, according to the research.

Mark Bull, chief executive of Randstad, said: “If the UK economy is to grow and overcome the difficulties of the last few years, then it requires a strong workforce capable of meeting demand.

“Our projections are conservative but they still portray a worrying scenario for the country over the coming decades. With an ageing population, we need to ensure we are open for business and welcoming

talent from around the world to bolster our workforce.”