In the latest Workforce survey from the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC), 92% of those questioned identified a skills shortage among their workforce in at least one key ‘competency’.

The survey of nearly 3,000 businesses from across the UK suggests that the most common skills shortages are leadership and management, planning and organisation, languages, computer literacy and creativity.

The survey also found that 80% of respondents intend to invest in training over the next 12 months, while 78% “strongly agree” that training is worthy of investment as a way of improving both growth and productivity. However, only 39% plan to invest more than £500 per employee in external training over the next year.

The survey has prompted the BCC to recommend that businesses of all sizes and in all sectors should invest in work-force training as “a key driver for economic success and improved productivity performance”.

BCC president Nora Senior (pictured) said it was good to see that most businesses are taking a ‘pro-active’ approach by investing in their existing workforce, but added: “We need far more companies to reach this level, which will only happen if we break down the barriers to investing in training.”

The UK Commission for Employment and Skills welcomed the report. Deputy director Lesley Giles said: “Improving links between employers and providers of education and training will not only make sure that we address skills gaps and shortages; it can also ensure that the training on offer is exactly what’s needed.

“We join the BCC in calling on employers, employer organisations, policy-makers and others to join forces and make sure that we have the skilled workforce we need to compete, grow and prosper.”