LONDON, Feb 15: The number of British firms experiencing problems recruiting skilled workers has increased by almost 50 per cent in the past decade, according to a study by a leading business association published on Tuesday.

A poll of 6,000 businesses revealed that 43 per cent reported difficulties recruiting workers with skills compared with 29 per cent in 1994, the British Chambers of Commerce found.

"Employers tell us all the time that they are frustrated that young people are not equipped with the right skills for the workplace," said David Frost, director general at the Chambers of Commerce.

"The system is simply not providing potential employees with the right skills for business and our figures show it has been failing for many years. "The skills of our workforce are already lagging behind many of our global competitors... Businesses cannot wait any longer," he added.

The government hit back at the survey's findings, with a spokesman saying it had "made progress on ensuring young people are equipped for the workplace". The Labour government is expected to publish plans aimed at helping employers to recruit skilled people, as well as supporting adult learners to gain higher skills and qualifications. -AFP