Almost Half of UK Workers Have Mismatched Skills and Jobs

Category: Business

Listening

Unlocking Word Meanings

Read the following words/expressions found in today’s article.

  1. workforce / ˈwɚkˌfoɚs / (n) – all the people who are employed
    Example:

    The country’s workforce is decreasing because of the aging population.


  2. qualification / ˌkwɑːləfəˈkeɪʃən / (n) – a skill, ability, or quality that makes a person fit to do a job
    Example:

    The company hired the applicant with the best qualifications for the job.


  3. overqualified / ˌoʊvɚˈkwɑːləˌfaɪd / (adj) – having skills, abilities, or qualities that are greater than what a job requires
    Example:

    His five-year experience made him overqualified for the entry-level position.


  4. stem from / stɛm frəm / (phrasal) – to happen because of something
    Example:

    The study shows that workers’ dissatisfaction stems from a low salary.


  5. compensation / ˌkɑmpənˈseɪʃən / (n) – money that is paid for a job done
    Example:

    Many workers feel they don’t get enough compensation.


Article

Read the text below.

A recent survey revealed that almost half of the employees in the United Kingdom have skills and jobs that are mismatched.


The Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD), an organization for human resource management, conducted the research. The survey aims to determine the current skills of the United Kingdom’s workforce and know how these abilities are being used at work.


Based on the survey involving 3,700 employees, 49% have jobs that do not match their qualifications. Twelve percent of these employees felt they lacked the necessary skills for their job. On the contrary, 37% thought they were overqualified for their current position at work.


According to the CIPD, the mismatch between the employees’ jobs and skills stems from the current economic situation in the country. Apparently, many of the current jobs available require minimum skills and knowledge. However, most workers have more than enough qualifications. Hence, many workers are forced to stay in low-skilled jobs.


Furthermore, the survey established that jobs and skills mismatch is linked to employee dissatisfaction. Workers feel that they do not get enough challenges, compensation, and growth opportunities. As a result, the productivity of companies declines.


The results of this research support the findings of a study conducted by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD). In 2017, the OECD found that 40% of UK employees are in jobs or industries that they did not train for.


To address the issue surrounding jobs and skills mismatch, both organizations proposed a solution. The CIPD and the OECD recommended that companies take more active roles in developing their employees’ skills through training and changes in tasks.


Viewpoint Discussion

Enjoy a discussion with your tutor.

Discussion A

• Do you think the CIPD and the OECD’s proposed solution is enough to address the issue of jobs and skills mismatch?
• Why do you think companies hire overqualified employees?

Discussion B

• How do you think companies can support their employees’ career advancement?
• If you were to propose a career advancement initiative, what would it be? Discuss.