Ireland : More than 95 per cent of businesses in Ireland are struggling to find enough skilled workers, according to a report.
Research published by Hays, the recruitment firm, found that skills shortages and mounting salary demands were among the top issues affecting employers.
The report showed that despite wider market uncertainty, employers are pressing ahead with their business plans and remain optimistic about the economy generally.
More than eight in ten firms plan to take on additional staff next year while 77 per cent are planning pay increases for their workers.
Mike McDonagh, managing director at Hays Ireland, said: “The challenge for employers is escalated by organisations having to adapt ever-more quickly to the world around them. With political, economic, social and technological changes taking place.