This paper reports the results of a survey of more than 2000 managers examining perceptions of skills gaps in a range of Australian firms. It finds that three quarters report a skills gap, and almost one third report skills gaps across the whole organisation. Firm size and industry differences exist in perceptions of the effect of the skills gap on the organisation, the causes of the skills gap, the strategies used to address the skills gap, the types of skills which are lacking, and the management of training and development. The research shows that managers believe leadership, management, and professional and industry-specific roles have the greatest needs, and that basic skills are generally strong. There is evidence that training and development is being under-used as a remedy for skills gaps, and that small firms may not be strategically recruiting due to perceptions that there are few qualified job candidates. Although skills gaps may be more of an issue for large than for small firms, the needs of small firms and those in "non-big business" areas such as charities and the not-for-profit sector should not be overlooked. There is not a "one size fits all" approach to reducing skills gaps which will fit all firm sizes across all sectors. (Contains 1 table.)