Many micro businesses that are looking to grow and expand their operations are unable to do so because they are finding it increasingly difficult to recruit the right staff, according to a new report.
The British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) found that one in two micro businesses (those that employ no more than ten people) were not confident that a school leaver would have the right skills for the job.
In a survey of over 2,000 employers, the BCC also found that 2.5 per cent of micro businesses were actually looking to decrease the number of staff they employed by 2015.
Dr Adam Marshall, director of policy at the BCC, said: “Micro firms make up an important part of our economy, and the fact that over half want to increase staff numbers is good news. However, for those wanting to take on more staff, finding the right person for the job can prove difficult.
“And for too many firms, burdensome employment legislation deters them from taking on staff in the first place.”
Mr Marshall added that even though there were high levels of unemployment, many micro businesses were “frustrated” by the quality of applicants for vacant roles.
“There is a real mismatch between business needs and local skills supply, with many businesses unable to find school leavers or even graduates with the right mix of skills,” he said.
The BCC describes itself as the national voice of local business.
