This is the highest figure since the survey was first carried out in 2011.

Five years ago, 29% of Slovenian employers reported difficulties in finding suitable staff. This figure dropped to 19% in 2014, the lowest recorded figure, but then rose to 27% a year later, the agency said.

There is high demand for engineers, drivers, unqualified workers, technicians, doctors and other health experts with a higher educational degree, restaurant and hotel staff, IT experts, sales representatives and nurses.

Almost half (49%) of the surveyed employers pinpointed an insufficient number of candidates as the main cause of difficulties in finding qualified staff.

Lack of experience was noted by 17% of employers, while 13% blamed lack of specific know-how. Lack of team-working skills (8%) and low wages (8%) were also mentioned among the reasons.

Development of the existing staff is the main tool for fighting the shortage of competent staff for 67% of the employers polled.