Recruitment and retenion difficulties at local councils have reduced dramatically, according to the latest Local Government Workforce Survey.

The survey shows that only 52% of councils reported recruitment difficulties, compared to 83% last year and 93% in 2004, while 89% offer ‘grow your own’ schemes, supporting staff to develop higher level skills and 66% have redesigned jobs to optimise scarce skills due to current pressures.

Most (91%) have taken part in planned leadership development, either on their own or in partnership, and 95% regularly offer work experience schemes with local schools and colleges.

The report also shows that 54% of councils have signed up to their Local Employment Partnership and are placing vacancies with Jobcentre Plus.

Sir Steve Bullock, chairman of the Local Government Association’s human resources panel, says: “There has been huge progress in addressing local government’s shared workforce issues. Many of the important occupational skills shortages that have bedevilled local government are reducing, and we are taking action to support authorities in dealing with their difficulties in recruiting social workers. 

“The actions authorities are taking are helping to ensure that we are developing the right workforce, with the right skills, to achieve our long-term ambitions.”