This is one of the findings in Hays’ latest Global Skills Index, which provides an insight into the availability of professional skills in 27 countries.

The index rates each country between 0-10 on the constraints and frictions faced by its market for skilled labour.

Australia scored 5.9, compared to the average of 5.1.

A score above 5 suggests that employers are experiencing difficulty finding the key skills they need and are suffering market friction, while a score below 5 indicates there is no major constraints on the supply of skilled labour.

Australia scored 8 in terms of both wage pressures in the overall economy and in high-skill industries.

“Labour market tightness is driven by demand for high-skilled professionals in specific industries, including engineering, energy and oil and gas,” Hays resources and mining senior regional director Simon Winfield said.

He said the shortages reflected the findings of its latest quarterly report, which showed there was a high-demand for highly skilled professionals such as structural engineers, line engineers and geologists.

“In the long term we will continue to feel the skills shortages,” he said.

Hays foresaw further shortages across industries such as healthcare due to our ageing population.

There would also be a need for candidates with skills to drive major projects in the construction sector.

According to the index, demand would also be needed for qualified staff in accountancy and financing.

“There is still a need for mining engineers and surveyors in the resources and mining sector along with senior processing candidates and candidates in fixed-plant maintenance and planning,” Winfield said.

To help ease the tight labour conditions, Hays has provided a long-term solution.

“First, governments should focus on the skills their economies lack and take appropriate measures to attract the relevant people through targeted immigration,” Winfield said.

“Second, employers should be offered fiscal incentives to increase their provision of relevant training.

“Third, governments should work with employers and educational authorities to implement a series of measures and incentives to persuade young people to acquire the skills that are most needed,” he said.

According to the survey, 16 out of the 27 countries surveyed were suffering some degree of labour market tightness.