Pity the hiring manager. They have a pile of applications on their desk, and an equally high stack of vacancies to fill. Unfortunately, the talent available doesn’t match the needs at hand – or at least, that’s the complaint. Managers say candidates need upskilling and reskilling, but as global social and economic turmoil abounds, both employers and employees face tough choices around training and development.

First, the employer’s point of view. Vacancies need filled. Staffing shortages have reached such a critical point that some firms have been forced to close down both individual locations and whole operations. Hiring bonuses, higher wages, adjustments to working conditions… i....