COMPANIES in Kirklees are finding it harder to recruit good- quality employees, says a survey.

About a third of 12,000 bosses polled by accountancy firm BDO Stoy Hayward said recruitment problems had worsened over the past 12 months.

That compares with one in five firms saying they now find it easier to fill vacancies than they did a year ago.

Ian Beaumont, Huddersfield-born managing partner with BDO Stoy Hayward in West Yorkshire, said: "Our survey suggests about 4,000 Kirklees businesses believe things are more difficult for them in the labour market than 12 months ago.

"Nearly 600 of this group are finding things much harder.

"The increasing competition for high-quality people makes it all the more important that Kirklees' 10,500 companies position themselves to potential recruits as good employers."

Almost half of Kirklees firms polled reported a shortage of people with relevant skills, while 50% complained of poor educational standards among young people.

Some 40% said their own inability to offer the salaries and pension provision sought by candidates had affected their capability to attract good staff.

A third of firms said candidates were also put off by the prospect of long hours.

Companies also cited the costs of recruitment, intense competition from other employers and the lack of a clear career path as obstacles in finding employees of the right calibre.

Others said they had lost out because they did not offer perks such as company cars and cheap loans - or challenging, satisfying jobs.

Mr Beaumont said:

"With recruitment so tough it's vital employers retain the competent people they already have.

"Making efforts to be a good employer can be a huge help."