[stuaxo]

Hm, not fully convinced about the skills shortage in the UK ?

There is a shortage of jobs, which things like workfare don't help with (if there is a job, just employ these people).

[cmdkeen]

The FT tweeted this chart recently - https://twitter.com/ftdata/status/705059490765348864

It's clearly for the job market overall, there will be variation within sectors. Given over 2 million private sector jobs have been created over the past few years while the public sector has shed jobs I doubt workfare is involved.

[crdoconnor]

There's always a 'skills shortage' for employers who see an opportunity to undercut their current workforce somehow.

[Pxtl]

Exactly. I'll believe in a "skills shortage" when competition for employees drives wages up.