A CONSTRUCTION boss in Hampshire has been forced to recruit builders from as far away as Poland because of red tape and a skills shortage, it emerged today.

Patrick Trant, the well-known chairman of Totton-based Trant Construction, told fellow business leaders how employment in the building industry is a nightmare.

He said: "We are starting to employ people from Poland because of the skills shortage and the increase in employment legislation is putting tremendous pressure on to companies.''

As previously reported by the Daily Echo, record numbers of people in Southampton are in work.

According to latest local figures, unemployment figures are at a 25-year low, with 2,905 registered out of work last November, and only 121 people permanently out of work.

The UK also has the highest employment and lowest unemployment in the G7, a group of industrialised countries such as the USA and Japan.

A Learning and Skills Council report also highlighted significant skills shortfalls, and the detrimental impact this has on business productivity.

Companies in all sectors across the south also reported similar problems to those of Trant Construction.

The issues came under the spotlight at a forum organised by business advisors Tenon, where entrepreneurs in the region highlight key issues.

Employment concerns were also stressed by Richard Mancey of Paultons Park, one of the south's leading family fun parks, near Romsey.

He said: "Last year was very difficult in terms of getting the right people. We had to absorb the wage rises.''

The buoyant market for employees with the right skills was highlighted by Southern Daily Echo editor Ian Murray, who said the paper was reporting a boost in recruitment advertising.

Hosted by Nick Parker and Mark Wallis, from Chandler's Ford-based Tenon, the forum brings together representatives of sectors ranging from tourism to transport, waste management and construction.

Tenon director Nick said: "It's good to have a regular forum where business leaders can talk about issues of the day, the challenges facing their particular markets and the influences on the south's economy."