UK suffering one of worst skills shortages in Europe, says study The UK’s economic recovery is exposing skills shortages across multiple industries, according to a study by recruitment firm Hays. Its annualGlobal Skills Index found in Europe only Spain, Portugal and Ireland have greater skills shortages than the UK. Job opportunities in industries such as oil and gas, energy, IT and construction have grown over the past year but the necessary skilled employees are not available locally, Hays said.