This section contains archived information that has been retained for reference purposes. To view current reports, please go to the Labour Market Information section.
November 2005
These reports investigate shortages in 10 professional occupations. They provide an assessment of whether there is a skill shortage in the occupation under review, the nature of the shortage, an analysis of the demand and supply forces contributing to the shortage, and a short-term outlook. The reports draw on data from the Department of Labour's 2004 Survey of Employers who recently Advertised (SERA), as well as other data sources.
The chosen occupations represent a range of industries including: construction, electronics, information technology, engineering, and social services.
It was found that shortages in the 10 professional occupations were less acute than in 16 trade occupations previously analysed.
Slightly more than half (56%) of the 296 vacancies included in the 2004 survey sample were filled within ten weeks of advertising. Civil engineer had the lowest fill rate (29%), while social worker had the highest (67%).
Nine of the professional occupations were confirmed as being in shortage:
Dentist was the only professional occupation not to be in shortage.
'Occupational detachment' is a feature of the four professional occupations with recruitment and retention difficulties.
The Immigration Service’s Long Term Skill Shortage List
The Immigration Service’s Immediate Skill Shortage List
Skill Shortages in the Trades: The 2005 Picture
Skill Shortage Assessment Reports (2005): Professionals
Occupation Reports (2004): Trades
Survey of Employers who have Recently Advertised (SERA)
These were one off reports – they will not be updated and its future will be reviewed in December 2007. After review it may be retained for a further period or moved to the archive
For further information please contact the Labour Market Skills team.