Talent shortages: Time for recruiters to lobby for more action by governments and policy makers

A common problem for many developed economies globally

Across the Anglosphere, including the US, Australia and Canada, as well as the UK, recruiters are experiencing talent shortages in various regions and industries.

Similarly, in non-English speaking developed economies such as Germany, Japan, and South Korea, government statistics show shortages of skills and expertise in various fields such as construction, healthcare, and technology, where there is a high demand for skilled labour.

Migrant workers are widely seen as being able to help address some of the chronic problems of developed economies around the world. These include issues such as: 

• Labour and talent shortages resulting from long-term health impacts of Covid 
• Long queues for medical treatment due to shortages of resources and capacity
• Ageing populations with an increasing need to grow the social care workforce

Some countries have implemented policies to attract immigrants to address these shortfalls in talent. However, on its own, the objective of attracting large numbers of migrant workers to boost the pool of talent available to recruiters creates more problems, unless governments make effective policies and follow through on them. 

Yes! There is a need to drive prosperity through productivity and economic growth by filling vacancies. However, there is also a need to balance this against the negative social impacts of migration that have destabilising effects.

The negative impacts of mass migration 

The problems of mass migration are manifold. Migration can have a significant social impact on indigenous or established communities. An influx of immigrants often leads to changes in the cultural makeup and demographic balance of a community and creates problems, including:

• Social tensions – This may create tension and conflict between different groups of people. In some cases, this can lead to marginalisation and exclusion among the existing population, as well as discrimination against newcomers.
• Resources and infrastructure – There may be a strain on resources and public services, such as housing, healthcare and education. Immigration may lead to overcrowding and a lack of affordable housing, longer wait times for healthcare services, and increased competition for school places.
• Language and culture – Language and cultural barriers may also affect the integration of immigrants into the community. In some cases, this can lead to social isolation and a lack of participation in community life.

For evidence of the destabilising effect of uncontrolled mass migration, we need only consider the UK’s infamous Brexit. This was the political process that saw the UK leave the European Union, partly in response to the issues thrown up by the free movement of EU citizens across open borders into the UK.

Recruiters! Time to influence government policy 

To avoid problems like those experienced in the UK, countries implementing strategies to attract more overseas workers need to ensure that migrants can contribute to the economy and society, while also addressing any negative impacts that migration may have.

Recruitment leaders have a strong voice on economic matters and should exert their influence to lobby governments for appropriate and coherent policy-making, that addresses the many strands of interwoven complexity:

• Integration – There is a need to Implement policies that support the integration of migrants into the host community, such as language classes, job training, and access to education and healthcare.
• Employment market policies – Governments should implement policies that ensure that migrant workers and native-born workers are treated fairly in the employment market, such as minimum wage laws and protecting workers’ rights. This helps to avoid resentment within established communities who may feel migrants are taking jobs and being exploited as cheap labour.
• Housing and public services – Adequate investment needs to be made in housing, schools, and healthcare to ensure that migrants integrate into their new communities and contribute to the economy and society. Provision for affordable housing and public services in areas where there is high demand is essential.
• Immigration policies – Immigration policies need to consider two scenarios. Firstly, skilled workers that wish to migrate to pursue their careers and who have job offers. Secondly, refugees and economic migrants in search of a better life. Policies need to manage the flow of migration whilst being fair and humane. 
• Citizenship – Immigration policies provide a clear path to citizenship for those who can meet certain criteria. This can help to reduce social unrest caused by uncertainty and confusion about the status of migrants.

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