Businesses in the city are suffering because of a lack of skilled trades people, according to Bradford Chamber of Commerce.

Mike Cartwright, policy executive officer for Bradford Chamber of Commerce, said: "The loss of skilled trades is a concern to both business operations and staff recruitment for many firms locally.

"More attention needs to be given to those entering the labour market to help change perceptions of manual skills and trades.

"Chamber members have been telling us for some time that their operations are sometimes affected by delays to things such as repair and renovation work, while recruitment difficulties have also been evident for months in some specialist skills."

A survey by Yellow Pages backed up the chamber's view. The poll found 79 per cent of the city's businesses believed there was a shortage of skilled trades people.

In total 19 per cent of small businesses reported that the lack of skilled trades people led to "unacceptable" delays in work starting.

Five per cent of firms said the delays had caused a measurable impact, including lost business efficiency, lost time at work and lost revenue.

The research revealed five per cent of businesses have resorted to DIY, tackling work themselves.

Mr Cartwright added: "Image seems to matter so much these days and so links into education and a positive marketing campaign would perhaps influence attitudes. Other incentives, such as subsidies for apprenticeships and the current workforce development schemes are also important.

"Bradford businesses have been telling us for some time that the shortage of skilled tradesmen and women is causing difficulties for them.''

He added: "A definite skills shortage is now apparent but the annoying thing about it is that we have the potential workforce locally to be able to overcome that. Young people in Bradford need to be shown that training in such vocations can provide a very rewarding lifestyle."