Businesses in doldrums about staff shortages

Michael Barnett

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Auckland businesses are worried about their ability to find good staff.

The Auckland Chamber of Commerce says around 368 businesses out of more than 800 it surveyed are struggling to get the right staff on board. That's up eight per cent in the past three months.

Chamber chief executive Michael Barnett says the situation is reaching a critical point as staff shortages prevent businesses from growing and affect the whole economy.

He says businesses are going to have to start looking offshore and working with the Immigration Service to find the right people to grow New Zealand's economy.

Mr Barnett says there is still optimism within the sector, but the skills shortage is something which needs addressing now.

- NEWSTALK ZB