# Almost half of companies struggle to find skilled workers
Author:  Pal Sinha, Barnali 
Author URL: https://financedigest.com/author/pal-sinha-barnali
Published: 2018-06-14
Category: NEWS
Category URL: https://financedigest.com/category/news
Meta Title: Adapting to the Skills Evolution in the UK Job Market
Meta Description: Discover how digitisation and automation are shaping the skills businesses seek in professionals, with a focus on soft skills and adaptability.
URL: https://financedigest.com/almost-half-of-companies-struggle-to-find-skilled-workershtml

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Digitisation and automation are driving significant change in the skills businesses look for in professionals, according to recruitment specialist [Robert Half UK](https://www.roberthalf.co.uk/?utm_source=roberthalf&utm_medium=pressrelease&utm_campaign=rh-cli-digitaltransformation-may2018).

Almost half of companies (49%) are struggling to find staff with the right skills for the job. As a result, one fifth (21%) are now looking to recruit candidates with exceptional soft skills, with a view to developing the desired technical skills on the job.

> In the Robert Half research, UK business leaders consider an openness to new ideas (28%), an openness to change (26%) and good communication abilities (19%) as key attributes and will prioritise these areas when considering new talent.

 **The top five employee characteristics according to**

**UK** [business leaders](https://www.financedigest.com/business-leaders-flexibility-for-everyone-contributes-to-gender-equality-in-the-workplace-without-affecting-your-bottom-line.html "Business leaders: flexibility for everyone contributes to gender equality in the workplace, without affecting your bottom line")

“Digitisation and [automation are rapidly evolving the business](https://www.financedigest.com/the-importance-of-upskilling-to-prepare-for-business-automation.html "The importance of upskilling to prepare for business automation") world. Companies are having to quickly adapt to the changing world of work, and are looking for employees who can [keep](https://www.financedigest.com/winning-the-security-race-how-financial-services-can-keep-pace-with-cybercriminals.html "Winning the security race: how financial services can keep pace with cybercriminals") pace,” says **Matt Weston, UK Managing Director at [Robert](https://www.financedigest.com/robert-bouchard-takes-over-as-ceo-of-econocom-group.html) Half.** “It’s no longer enough to simply execute on the day-to-day tasks. Being adaptable, [collaborative and open](https://www.financedigest.com/why-open-banking-heralds-a-new-era-of-ecommerce-merchant-and-bank-collaboration.html "Why Open Banking Heralds a New Era of eCommerce Merchant and Bank Collaboration") to innovation and change are vital employee characteristics for modern organisations. As the skills shortage continues to tighten, [businesses looking to tap into a wider talent pool need to consider the long-term](https://www.financedigest.com/hyperspectral-imaging-system-market-know-latest-trends-forecast-for-long-term-business-planning-up-to-2026.html "Hyperspectral Imaging System Market – Know Latest Trends & Forecast for Long-term Business Planning up to 2026") value a candidate’s attitude and soft skills can bring to a role.”

**Weston added,** “For candidates this means it’s simply not enough to have qualifications listed on your CV. You must demonstrate these softer skills on paper and in a job interview if you want to get the role that will help you [achieve your long-term](https://www.financedigest.com/the-journey-to-cloud-native-overcoming-hurdles-to-drive-modernisation-and-achieve-long-term-success.html "The journey to cloud-native: overcoming hurdles to drive modernisation and achieve long-term success") career success.”

Openness to new ideas28%Openness to change26%Communication skills19%Collaboration/team spirit11%Flexibility7%


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