According to new figures, nearly 70% of recruitment agencies are expecting a shortage of temporary agency workers over the festive period in most sectors, including retail.
The research from de Poel suggests that 29% more temporary workers will be used in the run up to Christmas alone. However, recruitment agencies have reported that they are struggling to fill the number of vacancies this year, despite the rising unemployment figures.

The figures will affect the retail industry, as 8% of recruitment agencies surveyed expect there to be a lack of available workers over the next few months, while 7% predict a shortage in the construction industry.

However, the worst hit sector is logistics, with 42% of recruitment agencies expecting a shortage in the industry, followed by the care sector, with 24% of respondents concerned about a lack of workers.

de Poel ceo Matthew Sanders commented: "During the festive period temporary agency workers are an integral part of UK Plc as we gear up for some of the busiest months of the year. It is concerning to see that, despite the rising levels of unemployment, our industry is increasingly concerned about suitably trained staff in a number of different industries.

"In October the government confirmed there would be no changes to the Agency Workers Regulations that will be coming into force in 2011, which gives temporary agency workers the same rights as permanent staff after 12 weeks in a job. We hope that this will encourage more people to consider temporary agency labour as an alternative to permanent work, whilst still being able to get the same benefits."