26 June 2026
OU finds 57% of employers face skills shortages
The Open University’s Business Barometer 2026 tracks the employer skills landscape in the UK, and this year includes a survey of young people.
The key findings of the report are that 57% of employers are experiencing skills shortages. 51% say that recruitment practices are changing due to AI and 42% that they are reducing early-career recruitment as AI use increases.
In terms of the young people surveyed, 70% who are NEET want to gain skills to improve their career prospects, while only 6% want to stay out of education, employment and training.
1,500 business leaders were surveyed for the research, along with 1,000 NEET young people, up to May 2026.
The full survey is available to download by providing you basic details.
The key findings of the report are that 57% of employers are experiencing skills shortages. 51% say that recruitment practices are changing due to AI and 42% that they are reducing early-career recruitment as AI use increases.
In terms of the young people surveyed, 70% who are NEET want to gain skills to improve their career prospects, while only 6% want to stay out of education, employment and training.
1,500 business leaders were surveyed for the research, along with 1,000 NEET young people, up to May 2026.
The full survey is available to download by providing you basic details.
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