Despite the rapid growth in our population, businesses are still having trouble finding workers. That’s among the key findings outlined in a quarterly business outlook survey in the country.
Inflation remains a big issue in business circles because, unlike consumer inflation which is now under three per cent, the cost of inputs for enterprises such as manufacturers rose around five per cent.
Wages have gone up five percent as well so the pressure to raise prices remains very real. Agriculture was feeling it the most with three-quarters citing this as an issue. People running restaurants and hotels were not far behind farmers on this one.
But it is on the labour front that most see as Issue Number One.
Recruiting was cited as the top problem by the largest segment of those surveyed. It is forcing owners and managers to work more hours to fill the gaps.
Half the respondents checked this one with farming again feeling it the most severely followed by businesses operating in the hospitality sector.
