Olympics may entice workers to London (From The Northern Echo)

Olympics may entice workers to London

9:24am Friday 13th April 2007 in

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THE London Olympics could see many of the region's most experienced construction workers leaving the area to seek lucrative work on the infrastructure in the capital, a leading contractor has warned.

Ranson Og, director of St Astier, based in Seaham, County Durham, said such a situation could lead to a shortage of skilled workers in the North-East in 2012, unless attitudes to training and investment in the industry change.

And in response to the situation, Mr Og has launched a training programme at St Astier, to help many of its 25 staff - including apprentices - with personal and professional development, in a lead he hopes other firms in the region will follow.

Mr Og, whose firm has a £3.5m turnover, said: "The Olympic Games present a golden opportunity for British construction workers to show the world our abilities.

"However, unless we look after the next generation, this region may suffer during that period as many of our most skilled workers head South."