Employers find it increasingly difficult fill jobs, according to a survey released by Express Employment Professionals.

More respondents, 65%, said it was “very difficult” or “somewhat difficult” to fill jobs in this survey than in any of the four hiring trends surveys conducted by Express Employment Professionals in 2015. The increase in reported difficulty corresponds with the decrease in the unemployment rate, according to the company.

“With the unemployment rate declining and more people headed back to work, it’s not so surprising that companies are finding it a little harder to fill open positions,” said Express CEO Bob Funk. “Of course, we still have plenty of people who want jobs — and others who have given up looking altogether. Part of the difficulty has been that the people who want to work may not have the skills that employers need.”

Respondents were asked, “Currently, how easy is it for you to recruit and fill positions?” Responses include:

• Very difficult: 16%
• Somewhat difficult: 49%
• Somewhat easy: 29%
• Very easy: 3%
• I don’t know: 3%

The survey included 340 businesses which are former or current clients of Express Employment Professionals. It was conducted in December 2015.