More than 80% of public-sector employers believe shortages in their organisation would be best filled with private-sector staff.

Almost half of employers in the public sector (47%) report skills shortages in their organisation despite the recession. Management skills are most in demand in the public sector, required by 57% of respondents to the survey by Hays, followed by commercial expertise (61%) and creativity (17%).

But two-fifths think the recession has presented them with a pool of private-sector talent they would otherwise not have had access to.

Some 63% have noticed an increase in job applications and 86% think this is beneficial with job applicants bringing new skills and experience providing former private-sector staff have a willingness to adapt to public-sector methods.

Andy Robling, director at Hays Public Services, said: "The recession has forced people to re-evaluate their perception of a job in the public sector and they have come to realise it offers comparable pay, generous benefits ad a challenging yet rewarding environment.

"At the same time, many public-sector organisations are undergoing a period of change and commercial expertise is highly valued to manage this process and drive efficiencies. Employers need to make sure they are tapping into this pool of talent - jobseekers with a commercial background have never been more available or more willing to make a move."