Covid Disguises Chronic Scarcity of Workers for U.K. Recovery
The acute labor shortage because of self isolation is masking the systemic challenge for businesses struggling to recruit after Brexit.
A job advert on a pub door in London.
Photographer: Rob Pinney/Getty Images
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On the outskirts of the Scottish town of Kirkcaldy is a crop of new houses on their way to completion. There are two large banners pinned to the perimeter fence with a mobile phone number: “Bricklayers Required.”
Rather than prices or availability dates, the most visible sign for passing drivers speaks to one of Britain’s biggest challenges post Brexit. Companies across key parts of the economy just can’t find enough people.