Many SMEs struggling to find suitable candidates at entry level

The research from LifeSkills surveyed 500 small and medium-sized businesses across the UK to understand their approach to recruiting young people and entry level recruits.

More than three quarters (77 per cent) of SMEs said that entry level candidates who have completed work experience are a good source of talent.

Unfortunately, despite recognising the value of entry level recruits with work experience, one in five (19 per cent) small businesses said that the biggest barrier to offering work experience is that they are unable to find suitable candidates.

SMEs account for 99 per cent of all businesses in the UK and employ 24.3m people. According to their HR decision makers, young people at entry level lack a range of basic skills when they start work. More than half (55 per cent) of those surveyed said that they felt young people lacked relationship skills and were unable to handle clients, customers and suppliers.

Appropriate work behaviour was also a concern, with two in four (43 per cent) worried about them using their mobile phone while at work or taking too long breaks, and nearly half (41 per cent) worry they lack time management and punctuality skills.

Kirstie Mackey, head of LifeSkills, said: “Small and medium-sized businesses are an incredibly important source of employment, yet this research shows they perceive a disconnect between the skills they need and those of young people at entry level.

“Work experience is a really valuable way of closing this gap but it is worrying that so many SMEs struggle to offer opportunities because they can’t find suitable candidates.”

LifeSkills is a curriculum-based education programme run by Barclays. Businesses and teachers developed the programme to help get young people ready for work.