Skills shortage holding back small businesses

Available for over a year

The Federation of Small Businesses has told BBC Radio Solent that a continued shortage of skilled labour is stifling growth across the South and South West. Many sectors have been impacted by a combination of Covid, furlough and Brexit, with the hospitality industry one of the hardest hit. And things like a shortage of transport drivers is also affecting many OTHER sectors including things like construction. Nationally, data from more than one thousand small businesses reveals half are planning to recruit more staff, but they believe finding them won't be easy. The Dorset Chairman is an upholstery and fabrics business in Wimborne Minster. Despite having a healthy order book - it doesn't have enough skilled labour, and is struggling to recruit. BBC Radio Solent's Dorset reporter Laurence Herdman has been to a midweek upholstery course, to find out more.