This is an increase from last year’s report, when 51 percent of employers said they were struggling to find talent.

“Skills shortages remain prevalent,” said Scott Dance, procurement engagement director at Hays. “Most industries are going through a skills short market.”

The top challenge for recruitment was lack of sector skills and experience, cited by 47 percent, and budget restraints, cited by 47 percent. Candidate salary expectations were a barrier for 40 percent, lack of technical skills for 32 percent and organisational fit for 27 percent.

Dance said employers should be careful not to “pigeonhole themselves” by only accepting applications from candidates who had already worked in their sector. “This makes it harder and really shrinks the talent pool. I see companies being more successful where they are more open minded and looking for transferable skills.

According to the survey of more than 4,000 procurement and supply professionals, 60 percent of managers are expecting to hire in the next 12 months, down from 70 percent in 2017.

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