Technology skills

Britain is facing an information technology skills crisis that could leave the country unable to compete internationally in as little as 10 years' time, according to research published on Monday.

A study of more than 3,000 companies, undertaken by E-skills UK - the industry body representing IT, telecoms and contact centre employers - and Gartner Consulting found that more than one in three employers had difficulties finding candidates for IT jobs.

Stakeholder Response: Federation of Small Businesses

An FSB spokesman said: "E-commerce is transforming the way we do business. For small firms e-commerce can represent more customers, suppliers and the infinite possibilities of a virtual identity. In terms of growth it brings opportunities to work faster, more efficiently, end paper trails and limit the overhead burden of more employees.