Employment and Recruitment Industry well placed to match supply and demand of talent

The International Labour Organization (ILO) released a study titled “Skills mismatch in Europe”. Skills mismatches have developed and increased due to the rapidly evolving labour market due to globalization, new technologies and economies becoming more services oriented.  Governments, education providers, organisations and job seekers have struggled to keep pace. The report notes that between 25 and 45 per cent of workers in Europe are either over – or under-qualified for their job, leading to a substantial mismatch between supply and demand in the labour market. It is a recurring topic not just within Europe, but worldwide. 36% of employers globally report talent shortages according the Talent Shortage Survey 2014 .

Fortunately, skills mismatches can be overcome with the help of experts who really know what employers need, and by upskilling of the workforce. The author of the ILO report notes that “the study calls on governments and the social partners to put in place efficient job placement services and training opportunities, and to strengthen linkages between education and training systems and the world of work”. The employment and recruitment industry is ideally placed to be able to deliver on both of these fronts. As the industry is intrinsically aware of what both employers and candidates need, recruiters are able to match supply and demand quickly and accurately. This knowledge is also being used to upskill workers and support them in which career direction to take. With this in mind the industry has pledged to upskill 65 million people by 2017.

Denis Pennel, Ciett Managing Director, commented “It is clear that the skills mismatch is a complicated issue and there is no one quick fix solution. However, there is a need to support job seekers in skills development, career choices and finding their Way to Work  as well as to support organisations to find the right candidates for the right job positions. The employment and recruitment industry is already making good progress in this area and will continue to offer a Way to Work for workers and companies alike. This will ultimately benefit the labour market not just in Europe, but around the world.”