Staff shortages are putting severe pressure on mid-sized businesses across the country, new research suggests.
A survey of 500 companies found one in four are struggling to operate normally because of a shortage of workers.
Business advisory firm BDO said more than a quarter of firms it surveyed revealed that reduced stock caused by supply chain disruption is also putting pressure on their operations.
Over a third of respondents said they have reduced product lines and services and expect these cuts to be long-term.
A similar number predicted that the pricing of their products or services will need to increase in the next few months.
The shortage of workers was blamed by many on Brexit and the pandemic, while two in five said their top recruitment challenge is the unavailability of staff in their region.
Ed Dwan, of BDO, said: “Brexit, global supply chain issues and the long tail of Covid-19 has created a perfect storm for UK businesses.
“After navigating the challenges of the pandemic and hoping for some respite, businesses have found themselves facing more major disruption, with those across almost all sectors reporting staff shortages.
“This is an era of upheaval, and the challenges faced by the UK’s mid-tier, the engine of the UK’s economy, points to a long road ahead.”
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