The Open University’s 2023 Business Barometer report reveals that despite ongoing skills shortages, over half (54%) of organisations don’t have any specific initiatives, skills programmes or workplace adjustments in place for specific talent pools including underrepresented groups. The research suggests that employers are missing out on a hidden talent pool and an opportunity to ‘grow your own’ talent during a time where two in four organisations say they have been prevented from filling roles due to lack of applicants. 

The report offers a set of recommendations for organisations to proactively address their skills shortages, attract and retain talent, and build a resilient workforce capable of meeting current and future challenges.  In particular, it identifies workplace flexibility and an agile skills system as key to giving individuals access to the training they need for sustainable jobs, and helping employers tackle skills shortages.