Frontline public services across the UK are facing persistent and deepening skills shortages, despite leading all sectors in workforce training investment, according to new research from ManpowerGroup.
Findings from the organisation’s 2026 Talent Shortage Survey show that 76 percent of employers in public services, health and social care are unable to find the skilled talent they need, underscoring ongoing workforce pressures in critical services.
The sector recorded the highest upskilling rate of any UK industry at 37 percent, indicating significant efforts to develop existing staff and build internal capability.
However, this investment has yet to translate into improved hiring outcomes.
At 76 percent, the proportion of employers struggling to recruit is three percentage points higher than the global average of 73 percent, suggesting the UK’s public services sector faces particularly acute challenges.
Michael Stull, managing director of ManpowerGroup UK, said the data reflects mounting pressure on frontline organisations.
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“Public services are under real pressure. Even though these organisations are investing more in upskilling than any other sector, they still can’t access enough of the skilled people they need,” he said.
Structural workforce challenges
The survey points to a combination of long-standing and emerging factors driving the shortages:
- Shortfall of experienced workers, particularly in frontline and care roles
- Rising demand for health, social care and support services
- Perception and pay challenges, impacting the sector’s attractiveness to new entrants
- Retention pressures, with organisations struggling to keep skilled staff
Together, these issues are creating a widening gap between workforce supply and service demand – placing additional strain on already stretched teams.
Rethinking the talent pipeline
In response, employers are being urged to take a more proactive and long-term approach to workforce development.
Key recommendations include:
- Expanding early career pathways, including apprenticeships and entry-level routes
- Strengthening partnerships with schools, colleges and training providers
- Increasing focus on reskilling and career transitions into public service roles
“To secure the workforce of the future, the public sector must continue to invest in development while also working more closely with education partners to widen access to those who want to build a career in frontline services,” said Stull.
