Canadian employers continue to have difficulty filling open positions.
A survey by staffing firm Express Employment Professionals finds that 87% of its franchises say it’s “somewhat difficult” or “very difficult” to fill positions.
Twenty-five percent say it’s “very difficult” to fill positions, while 58% report it’s “somewhat difficult.” Only 9% say it’s “somewhat easy,” and only 5% believe it’s “very easy” to recruit and fill positions.
When asked the “primary reason that your open jobs are not filled,” 64% attribute the issue to a “lack of available applicants.”
Respondents continue to blame the lack of workers and a mismatch between what employers are looking for and what employees expect. There is a “skills gap” between the skills employers seek and the skills prospective employees possess.
“I’m sure it will surprise some Canadians to hear that, in many parts of the country, employers are having trouble finding the right talent,” says Bob Funk, CEO of Express. “Because of the skills gap, the unemployment rate is still higher than it should be.”
Related articles: