Almost half of all London businesses believe there is a lack of highly skilled workers in the capital, according to a new report by the Confederation of British Industry and KPMG.

The latest London Business Survey found that 45 percent of London Businesses say there is a skills shortage in the capital.

Key data

    66% of businesses experience difficultly in recruiting high skilled personnel
    56% of firms want a reformed visa system want a reformed visa system to remove the barriers to hiring highly skilled individuals from overseas
 
   

 

Only 50% of businesses provide work experience to students

 
    More than a third of London businesses said they offer careers advice and talks to students
 
    A fifth of London firms said that finding skilled IT and technology personnel is the most difficult
 

Additional facts

  • Businesses need to work with schools and colleges to equip students with the skills companies look out for

  • Science, technology, engineering and maths are particularly valuable skills in London’s industry sectors

  • 62% of firms are aiming to increase headcount and expand business thanks to increase optimism in the economy

The London Business survey was completed by 115 London firms from a range of sectors between 7 July and 28 July 2014. You can find more information here.

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