Skills and Demand in Industry report 2009

The impact of the economic recession was evident in the results of the survey.

Only 31 per cent of companies were planning to recruit staff in 2009, compared to 63 per cent in 2008. 40 per cent were concerned that they would lose their skill base owing to restructuring, particularly those in the transport industry. Of those companies recruiting, 45 per cent were looking to employ experienced engineers, an increase on 2008. Fewer were looking to recruit postgraduates than in 2008. Business expansion (66 per cent) and diversification (over 30 per cent) were the main recruitment drivers.