Hundreds of unfilled council vacancies cause delays in Hampshire and Wiltshire
Almost 500 council jobs remain unfilled across Wiltshire and Hampshire, as local authorities grapple with staff shortages.
Unfilled roles include teaching positions, highways jobs, social workers and planning officers.
Wiltshire Council leader, Richard Clewer says the knock on effect of delays in areas such as domiciliary care and special educational needs assessments causes the greatest concern.
"We are definitely seeing a labour shortage in some areas, and that is concerning. It's probably a little higher than it's been historically - probably a little down from the peak a few months ago."
“While we're looking at providing support for children who may have special educational needs, getting that assessment process working better is really important.
"We put £1million pounds into this about a year and a half ago. And it's taking a long time to bring the staff in because there aren't enough appropriately qualified staff available. So that's an area where we'd really like to speed things up.
The council leader also cited the cost of living in Wiltshire as a potential reason for the difficulties recruiting.
“One of the problems we've got in Wiltshire is house prices really are very high. And therefore it can be very hard for someone in one of those lower paid roles to sort out housing in the areas we need the support."
He says planning applications have also been heavily affected:
“I get a lot of comments about planning, and the fact that planning can take too long. Which I would agree with. Which is why we're looking at bringing those staff in.
"And I think it's really important, because if people are investing money in their homes, then that's good for Wiltshire and we ought to be doing everything we can to facilitate it.
Hampshire County Council has also spoken of its struggles to recruit. It says lack of qualified candidates is leading to a shortage of staff in IT and social work.
Almost 250 jobs are currently being advertised with Wiltshire Council, while Hampshire County Council has 223 vacant positions.
Deputy director for people and organisation at Hampshire County Council, Stephanie Randall, said the organisation needs to be made more attractive and welcoming to new candidates.
"Recruitment to vacant roles continues to present challenges for services across the whole directorate which is driven by demand for the associated skillsets in the wider market and shortage of a suitably qualified workforce from which to draw upon.
"The county council continues to deliver its commitment to inclusion, diversity, and wellbeing for its staff, and actions are being undertaken to improve access to new working opportunities.
"Every role in the organisation has a meaning. To deliver quality jobs we need people, so the chain works properly."