EMPLOYERS are beginning to rate good communication skills, work ethic and personality over literacy and numeric ability. The results of a Chartered Institute Personnel and Development/KPMG survey of 1,400 UK firms found that more emphasis is being placed on these so-called soft skills.

And this trend is being reflected locally in areas where no formal qualifications are required.

OSA recruitment consultant Angela Ferguson believes employers in these sectors are able to be flexible in terms of criteria.

‘While continuing to encourage personal development and learning, we find that some are becoming less demanding in terms of qualifications and rather seek the ‘employability factor’ when recruiting.

‘The thinking behind this is that if the soft skills exist, then these can be built upon and other skills relevant to the position can be learned through training.’

Ms Ferguson said behaviour, attitude, personality, integrity, discipline and a willingness to work were among key attributes sought by employers.

And while requirements for hard skills have not become redundant, she thought employers were recognising the value of the individual in the workplace.

KPMG Channel Islands chairman Jonathan Hooley said soft skills were becoming more of a requirement to succeed in the workplace.

‘As the ability to communicate becomes more important, these skills are becoming of greater importance in a business environment.’

He said new employees at the firm were first required to pass their accountancy exams, after which communication skills came to the fore.

‘Once over this hurdle, your success is down to your abilities in the soft skills area.

‘KPMG is devoting a lot of time and investment into developing these sorts of attributes among its staff.’

Education’s lifelong learning manager Alun Williams said the department was making every effort to equip the island’s school-leavers with both soft and hard skills.

‘We are confident that most of the island’s youngsters acquire these skills and competences and this is demonstrated by our recent excellent GCSE and A-level results which are testimony to their hard work and ability,’ he said.

‘Employers should also look at the non-examinable activities that they undertake, for example involvement in sport, creative arts and experience of the world of work.’

He added that the department was in touch with employers regularly to review the nature of skills required in the workplace.