A survey of 200 UK manufacturing firms found that half do not believe the education system provides recruits with needed skills. Make UK conducted the research. The organization represents manufacturing and engineering sectors.

Nearly all respondents view skills access as essential to company growth. Half identified finding skilled workers as their primary growth barrier. Fifty-three percent said the education system can deliver appropriate skills.

Robert Halfon, executive director of Make UK, called the manufacturing skills shortage a crisis built over decades. He pointed to high numbers of young people not in employment, education, or training. He also noted global competition for talent and impending retirements among workers.

Halfon described Neet rates as shameful. The problem affects Northern Ireland more severely than Britain overall.

Stormont has a role in addressing manufacturing skills alongside Westminster.