Anxiety over available workforce threatens NZ business optimism
13 July 2018
New Zealand’s optimistic business outlook is under threat by a potential shortage of skilled workers.
According to Grant Thornton International’s latest International Business Report (IBR) survey, business optimism
throughout the country is coming off its high from the last two years; this quarter, 60% of businesses surveyed were
optimistic about the country’s economic outlook - this is a sharp dive from 76% last quarter.
Changes to the skilled migrant immigration category made under the previous government and a cooling in migration could
be a key factor impacting continued optimism.
The latest IBR has revealed that New Zealand businesses surveyed are becoming increasingly concerned about the
availability of skilled workers; 44% cited a lack of availability compared to 36% last quarter and this time last year.
“A booming economy depends on a robust workforce, but there are factors at play that could jeopardise our economic
success”, says Paul Kane, Partner, Business Advisory Services at Grant Thornton New Zealand.
“Businesses are doing well and profits are up, but there is a real concern with the ability to hire and retain staff.
“Construction is a good example; the industry is already struggling to find enough qualified builders or people who want
to train to become builders. With the success of the Kiwibuild scheme hinging on a workforce ready to deliver what the
coalition government has promised, there will need to be some considerations made to achieve this”.
“Businesses also need to keep a close eye on what’s happening overseas, particularly with our biggest trading partners.
ASEAN businesses are currently optimistic, but if they see the war of words on trade develop between China and the US,
that confidence could start to evaporate.
“Aside from the trade talks, the global economy is firing more strongly than it has in many years. Economic predictions
are positive for the short to medium term, but history tells us that growth tends to come in cycles. For businesses
across Asia, now represents a window of opportunity to invest in their future,” says Kane.
ends