Firms in London are struggling to recruit staff as over four in five businesses have vacancies, according to a new survey of 1,000 companies. 

Mayor Sadiq Khan recently announced plans to boost economic growth in the capital, but the latest survey by BusinessLDN suggests he may have a mountain to climb before he achieves his ambitions.

Almost half of firms said they struggled to recruit staff as applicants have become more picky. 

Over a quarter of respondents said there was a lack of interest in roles, while 45 per cent of firms surveyed said demands to work from home prevented hiring.  

Around four in five firms reported vacancies, representing a steady increase since 2023 when the survey started.

Businesses also reported high levels of dissatisfaction with their own workforce. 

Over a third of companies said staff lacked the necessary skills. One in five of these firms said “English skills” were not up to par.