Jeremy Hunt needs to act on staff shortages in autumn statement

Employers are looking for support in finding the workers they need through training, childcare and benefits

• UK jobs market dodges hit from economic slowdown

Jeremy Hunt will be under pressure next week when he delivers his autumn statement to ease the burden on employers that find themselves bidding up wages because they cannot find the staff they need.

The latest employment figures show the number of vacancies declined in October, but not by much, indicating that businesses continue to advertise new roles without much success unless pay rates are improved.