Baby boomer retirements 'could lead to worker shortage'

Employers are predicting a huge shortage of workers in the next few years as older staff retire, according to a new report. %VIRTUAL-ArticleSidebar-jobs-guide%

Recruitment firm Robert Half said employers feared the loss of so many so-called baby boomers will have a negative impact on their business.

Finance directors in small businesses are most concerned about the retirement of their experienced workers.

Phil Sheridan, managing director of Robert Half, said: "Employers are facing a profound shift as baby boomers look to exit the workforce, compounding the existing skills gap.

"With employers challenged in finding the skills they need to grow their businesses, establishing a succession plan with a robust attraction and retention strategy will be critical to succeed in today's economy.

"In some cases, offering project or interim contracts to employees nearing retirement will open up positions for aspiring managers to move up the career ladder, while still operating under the guidance of a mentor."