Skill shortages in customer care and communications exist in almost all employment sectors. Businesses in London and the Southeast suffer disproportionately from skill shortages, as do smaller firms. Other areas that have employment skill shortages include electronics; healthcare, including clinical psychologists, physiotherapists, pharmacists, social workers, nurses, and doctors; IT; railway, structural and bridge and transportation and highway engineers; actuaries; veterinary surgeons; and teachers.

To ease this employment skills shortage, companies have resorted to hiring staff from overseas. Recent research shows that 48 percent of UK firms employ foreign staff. Most of the firms with foreign employees are London-based, with many newcomers finding employment in hotels and restaurants. The government recently announced that work permit regulations are to be relaxed with the aim of reducing skills shortages. However, key workers employed from overseas, including chefs and health workers, still must have at least three years’ experience to work in the UK.

This is just a sample of what you'll find in the complete UK guide.