Labour Shortages in Devon and Cornwall’s Manufacturing Sector

The manufacturing sector in Devon and Cornwall, like many other regions, is experiencing a notable labour shortage. This blog post aims to provide a snapshot of the current situation, which is particularly relevant for employees, job seekers, and employers interested in recruitment.

Key Statistics and Facts

Skill-Shortage Vacancies: In Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly, skill-shortage vacancies represent 22% of all vacancies, aligning with the England-wide figure.
Employment Projections: Manufacturing jobs in the area are projected to decline, with an estimated loss of 1,000 jobs over the decade, slightly lower than the UK’s overall 9% decline.
High-Skilled Employment: The region has a lower representation of employment in higher-skilled occupations (39%) compared to the UK average (43%).
Employer Challenges: 12% of employers in the Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly LEP area reported having hard-to-fill vacancies, which is lower than the England average of 15%.
Workforce Composition: In Cornwall & the Isles of Scilly, there are approximately 15,405 employees in the engineering and manufacturing sector, with 90% working full-time.
Aging Workforce: A significant portion of the workforce is approaching retirement age, which exacerbates the skill gap.

Industry-Specific Challenges

Lack of Skilled Workers: Employers cite a shortage of suitably skilled workers as the main reason for hard-to-fill vacancies.
Experience and Interest: There is also a reported lack of relevant work experience and interest among applicants.
Replacement Demand: Despite job losses, there will be job openings resulting from the need to replace retiring workers.
Skill Gaps: Most employers claim to have a proficient workforce with no skill gaps, yet the data suggests otherwise.

Addressing the Shortage

Apprenticeships: Local initiatives, such as those by The Cornwall College Group, aim to bridge the skills gap by connecting potential apprentices with businesses.
Automation: With the persistent labour shortage, some suggest that automation may be a necessary strategy for the future.

Conclusion

The manufacturing sector in Devon and Cornwall is facing a challenging time with a shortage of skilled labour. This affects not only the current productivity but also the future of the industry as it competes in a global market. Employers, educational institutions, and policymakers must work together to address these challenges through training, education, and perhaps technological innovation.

At KRSL we understand these dynamics are crucial for connecting the right candidates with the right opportunities and for advising businesses on strategies to mitigate the impact of these shortages.