A task force combining the know-how of agencies involved in the jobs market is being set up to tackle a growing recruitment problem facing firms from Borehamwood and the rest of Hertsmere.

Rapid change in the job market has led to a recruitment problem for borough companies in the past year with firms finding it increasingly difficult to employ new staff, according to Hertsmere Borough Council's economic development officer Martin Raffell.

To help tackle these problems the Hertsmere Economic Development Forum has set up an employment group which includes borough firms, the Job Centre, recruitment agencies, Herts Careers Service, local training providers and Herts TEC.

Experts are warning that the lack of recruitment success will mean longer term difficulties for borough firms if they have plans to expand, and for the future of the area's economic development.

"Firms are now finding it hard to recruit the additional staff they need. From a situation where employees were not prepared to move to other jobs and businesses could easily recruit additional labour for new contracts or increased sales, we are now seeing employees move to and from nearby companies," said Mr Raffell.

Borough businesses are being urged to join the new employment group as it is being predicted recruitment problems will increase.

"Firms in the borough will probably be severely hampered in their plans to expand and increase profitability. They cannot afford to stay outside the employment group -- it costs nothing and the benefits are immediate," he added.

For further details on the employment group telephone Martin Raffell or James Garland on 0181-207 7510.

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