Job recruits' expectations unrealistic, study says

Ruth Ross, boss of Shropshire Chamber of Commerce, says AI is going to play an increasing role in the workplace

Companies are struggling to recruit staff because interviewees have unrealistic expectations and demand flexible or part-time working, a study shows.

There is a mismatch between the type of jobs on offer and the roles people want, Shropshire Chamber of Commerce found in a survey of county companies.

It also said companies reported candidates applying for jobs above their skill set and experience levels.

The chamber's chief executive, Ruth Ross, predicted AI would play a greater role in 2024, but did not expect it to replace human workers.

She said: "You’re unlikely to lose your job to an AI programme but you might lose it to someone who knows how to use AI better than you."

The findings come in its quarterly economic survey, which covers the first three months of 2024.

Ms Ross said: “Though the vast majority of jobs posted are for full-time set hour roles, many candidates are looking for part-time or flexi working."

More part-time roles were being offered, she said, which was reducing the mismatch.

The survey also found there was pressure on companies for higher wages, greater flexibility and other benefits and it found more than 80% of Shropshire companies were having to offer higher wages to attract new staff.