The Council wants to ensure that businesses can source the skills they need for their business now and in the future to ensure that Telford remains right the place for their investment.

The research aims to identify skills deficiencies both within the workforce and job applicants and other support that companies require.

This information will be analysed and actions put in place to support training provision to meet the demands of local businesses..

Business Skills Development Officers at the Council have already begun to engage with businesses and further research will be conducted by Worcester Research on their behalf, who will be contacting businesses by phone during February and March.

The Council is also looking to find out what other support the companies would benefit from. The information will also be used to identify common themes and how the Council can take action to support.

The aim is to understand, as a whole, the skills gaps and needs of employers across all sectors in order to develop better skills support and ensure that there is a skilled pool from which employers can recruit – reducing costs, time and support needs.

Councillor Charles Smith, cabinet member for Housing, Regeneration and Economic Development, said: “Ultimately, we will be looking at the skills gap and predicted growth to create opportunities for those unemployed and living in Telford and Wrekin.

“In addition to this, we will look to ensure that employers are helped with skills needs to support their growth and secure their future in Telford.”

The fieldwork research will be completed over a four to six week period and should be completed by mid March after which a report, detailing the findings will be produced.

The Council is asking businesses to support this research by engaging with Worcester Research on this project when they are contacted.