For the second consecutive month, IT and computing has proved the strongest area of demand out of ten key industry sectors but a lack of skills still remain.

The survey was conducted by Markit from a panel of 400 UK recruitment and employment consultancies.  Kevin Green, chief executive of the Recruitment and Employment Confederation, commented: “It’s a worrying trend that is particularly problematic across IT and engineering and at senior levels in other sectors.  Persistent skills shortages in these areas could have a disastrous impact on critical infrastructure projects, especially if employers can’t find the talent they need to jump-start new ventures in energy, transport and construction.  The government needs to build the talent pipeline for the future by increasing funding for apprenticeships in sectors where there is demand, refocusing Work Programme to train people who have potential but lack the skills to fill current vacancies and driving take-up for existing schemes like the Youth Contract.”