Two thirds of businesses in the East have reported challenges hiring skilled staff, claiming applicants lack the qualifications, skills and training they are looking for.

Employers say the shrinking talent pool has created a widening 'skills gap', referring to the difference between the skills companies require and those potential employees possess.

Two thirds of employers in the region's engineering construction industry experience challenges hiring workers (Image: Denise Bradley) In some sectors the skills shortage has created an aging workforce.

More than a third of the region's engineering construction labour force are now over 50, while only one in six are under 30, according to the Engineering Construction Industry Training Board.

Concerningly, nearly 70pc of UK firms say the shortage has increased the workload for existing staff, according to a business barometer by the British Chambers of Commerce and Open University.

In many cases, it has resulted in reduced output and profitability.

If the current skills shortage continues, it is projected that 20pc of the population in East Anglia will be grossly underqualified for their jobs by 2030.

Responses from employers when asked: 'What is the impact of skills shortages?' (Image: British Chambers of Commerce/The Open University Business Barometer) RECRUITMENT........

© Eastern Daily Press