Staff shortages are the greatest threat to franchisees right now, according to new survey

Staff shortages, supply chain issues, rising interest rates and inflationary pressures are some of the biggest issues facing Australian franchised businesses today according to the most recent Franchise Council of Australia (FCA) quarterly survey.

Ongoing staff shortages for small businesses across Australia are now at a record high, with 83% of survey respondents reporting that the greatest challenge for small businesses is the availability of suitable employees for franchisees.

It’s an alarming trend for small businesses across Australia — with 80% nominating the issue of staff shortages in the Franchise Council of Australia July survey, and 64% in March. 

The September Quarter 2022 Franchise Business ‘Pulse Check’ survey received responses from 105 brands, capturing 18,482 businesses that employ 202,223 Australians.

For 55% of the survey respondents, the second biggest issue was again the availability of suitable employees for support offices for small businesses.

Rounding out the top four challenges facing Australian franchises were supply chain issues, at 45%, and rising interest rates and inflationary pressures at 39%.

However, fewer small businesses nominated these challenges compared to the July 2022 survey — highlighting the sector’s focus on employment concerns, which represents a real...