Half of European SMEs Face Difficulties in Recruiting Skilled Workers

A new Eurobarometer survey shows that nearly half of European small and medium companies (SMEs) (46%) face difficulties in finding workers with the right skills. Recruitment of non-EU nationals remains limited, according to the survey.

One in seven small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) have attempted to hire workers outside the EU in the past two years. Among those that have recruited non-EU nationals (14% of the sample), 54% described the recruitment process as difficult. The complexity of administrative and immigration procedures is the most frequently cited barrier (31%), followed by difficulty finding suitable candidates (25%) and overcoming language barriers (24%).

Most companies (85% to 90%) directly manage the recruitment of workers from outside the EU, according to the survey. There is limited awareness among SMEs of public support for international recruitment. The use of private recruitment agencies is significantly higher for international recruitment. The companies suggest that hiring outside the EU could be improved through financial support (31%), information and guidance (25%), assistance in finding candidates (23%), help with workplace integration (20%), and immigration and relocation support (18%). The European Commission said that EU Talent Pool, as the first EU-wide platform for international recruitment, will help match job vacancies in shortage occupations with workers from outside the EU.

”SMEs are vital to the EU economy, representing about 99% of enterprises. They need to find people with the right skills to boost the EU’s competitiveness. By empowering SMEs with the right information and support channels, we can facilitate the hiring of skilled foreign workers to mitigate labour and skills shortages in the EU. The upcoming EU Talent Pool will help match job vacancies in shortage occupations with skilled workers from outside the EU,” said Roxana Mînzatu, EC EVP for Social Rights and Skills, Quality Jobs, and Preparedness.