YOU just can't get the staff these days. And that's no joke for the hundreds of north west businesses facing a growing skilled labour shortage.

According to a survey by Lloyds TSB Commercial, 42 per cent of firms interviewed in the region reported growing recruitment difficulties last year.

Construction and other 'hands on' industries were the hardest hit but fast-expanding sectors such as New Media are facing similar problems.

All over Britain businesses are talking about a massive skills gap and it is firmly on the Election agenda with all the major parties.

Earlier this year the government launched 47 Learning and Skills Councils across the country. Given huge amounts of money to increase the number of people engaged in post-16 education and training, the councils pull together various education funding and planning bodies.

But already north west firms are setting up their own tailor-made training courses, either in-house or in collaboration with colleges.

And Manchester Chamber of Commerce is setting up its own employment and skills committee after a survey of 3,000 members found this issue was very high on their list of priorities.

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