White collar workers MIA 10-33 10th March 2008

With a shortage in white collar workers as well, 53 percent of corporations are looking to hire from overseas.

“When there’s a shortage of plumbers we all know about it, but the shortage of key white collar workers has gone under the radar for too long,” says Patricia Forsythe, executive director of the Sydney Chamber of Commerce.

Accountants, engineers, auditors and general managers are among the in-demand positions identified by the Department of Immigration.

The professional skills shortage is a concern for more than three-quarters of corporations.

“Employee retention has become a sink or swim exercise for the business community,” says Forsythe. “Skills shortages have significant inflationary implications for the economy. When it comes to tackling inflation, there must be a much greater acknowledgement of the impact skills shortages.”