A SHORTAGE of skilled labour is causing difficulty to local firms.

The chairman of the Greater Manchester branch of the Institute of Directors, Eva Wisemark, said: "The shortage of skilled people is a serious problem.

"In the increasingly hi-tech world of industry and business, companies need relatively few but well-qualified and trained employees at all levels."

She added: "The pressure to improve and reform our education and training approach in the UK must be maintained."

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