It is critical that governments across the world open themselves up to the movement of talent as part of the solution to meet skills shortages.

So says Jeffrey A Joerres, chairman and chief executive of international recruitment giant ManpowerGroup.

ManpowerGroup’s 2011 Talent Shortage Survey revealed 34% of employers are having difficulty filling vacancies, but due to the economic downturn many governments have tightened immigration policies.

Joerres says: “While the topic raises passions in light of continuing high unemployment, talent mobility is one proven way to address to the talent supply and demand imbalance that currently exists in the labour market.

“It is by no means the only answer and must form part of a multi-stakeholder response, but with OECD societies aging and emerging markets struggling to find the required talent there is a critical need to expand the view of talent sources.

“This is about the movement of talent to where it is needed in order to benefit economies, which is a win-win situation for all stakeholders.

“Mobility policies that are sensitive to the social implications of moving people for work are an effective approach, as they spark innovation and collaboration, while many high-skilled migrants eventually return to their homelands, taking fresh perspectives and valuable new skills with them, and fostering brain circulation.”