Bank of England deputy governor Paul Tucker has been briefed on how Bradford firms are adopting flexible working practices to retain skills and stave off jobs cuts as tough trading conditions continue to bite.

Mr Tucker, who sits on the Monetary Policy Committee which sets interest rates, was the second leading figure to test the mood of business after a visit to the city earlier this month by Business Secretary Vince Cable. He met with a dozen business people at the University of Bradford School of Management. Among those attending was Sandy Needham, chief executive of Bradford Chamber of Commerce, which represents 1,100 businesses.

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