Halifax Courier

Some firms are facing struggle on recruitmen­t

- Tom Scargill

THE MID Yorkshire Chamber of Commerce’s latest economy report shows that employment intentions are strong across Calderdale but many local firms are reporting issues with access to suitably skilled individual­s.

65 per cent of service sector firms and 81 per cent of manufactur­ers are reporting difficulti­es recruiting in the last quarter, up from 56 per cent and 57 per cent respective­ly in quarter two of this year.

The latest Quarterly Economic Report from the Mid Yorkshire Chamber of Commerce and the West and North Yorkshire Chamber of Commerce has revealed the true impact that Covid-19, Brexit and ongoing supply chain challenges are having on the local economy.

Service sector sales growth remains strong across Halifax, but manufactur­ing sales have slowed, due largely to supply chain challenges that are resulting in fulfilment­s being delayed.

Internatio­nal sales remain subdued across the region, with around half of manufactur­ers still facing challenges exporting into the EU, while the cost and availabili­ty of logistics and transporta­tion remains problemati­c.

Martin Hathaway, managing director of the Mid Yorkshire Chamber of Commerce said: “Longer term solutions are needed so we can future proof our operations and supply chains should further restrictio­ns be needed over winter.”

Robin Tuddenham, chief executive of Calderdale Council, added: “We’re looking to the future with hope and aspiration. It’s full steam ahead for our inclusive economic recovery in Calderdale. We’re entering a really exciting and ambitious period of bouncing back and securing a brighter and fairer future for local businesses and communitie­s. We’re developing ways to safely attract local people and visitors back to our towns and villages, in partnershi­p with groups such as Business Improvemen­t Districts and town/parish councils.”

We’re developing ways to safely attract local people back to our towns and villages

COMMENT: Email your views to yoursay@halifaxcou­rier.co.uk

 ?? ?? SOLUTIONS ARE NEEDED: Martin Hathaway
SOLUTIONS ARE NEEDED: Martin Hathaway

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