More than 80% of public sector organisations think private sector workers could best fill skills shortages in their organisation, according to a new survey from Hays.

Employers, based across public services divisions including education, central and local government, housing, the NHS, charities and not-for-profit, expressed concern about their lack of commercial talent, while 47% of respondents said there are widespread skill shortages generally which need to be addressed so that quality services may be delivered.  

Respondents were concerned over management skills (54%) and identified that the most valuable attributes a private sector candidate can bring to the public sector is commercial expertise (61%) and creativity (17%). Other attributes in demand were a different drive and ethic.

The survey also shows that 63% of employers have noticed an upturn in applications, while 86% believe such an increase is beneficial with candidates armed with a diverse range of skills experience and willingness to adapt to new methods.