The study of 401 senior decision makers in large UK businesses finds more than half stating it is difficult to recruit candidates with appropriate skills and nearly a third stating that retention of high performers is a problem.
It shows recruitment is a challenge at all levels. More than half (58%) of those surveyed indicate recruiting entry level workers with appropriate skills is a challenge, while 61% say the same about middle management and 59% the same about executives.
Some 91% of senior executives say investing in employees' skills is essential for their business to grow and nearly two-thirds (62%) plan to invest in up-skilling their employees to achieve growth.
When asked which three skills are most valuable to the success of their business, 61% of respondents identify communication skills, followed by sector-specific technical skills (40%) and analytical skills (30%).
Aimie Chapple, managing director at Accenture, said: "UK companies should consider re-thinking strategies for finding the skills they need to support growth.
"To address skills shortages at all levels, as well as challenges holding onto existing talent, companies may need to integrate their recruitment, skills development and retention strategies."
Chapple added: "It's clear that British employers need to think more seriously about the long term outlook when hiring talent, and not just the immediate future."
Last month HR magazine held a Live Web TV debate on the skills gap in the UK. This is still available to view and you can also take part in the research.
