AN Isleworth businessman says he is having difficulty finding workers for his factory - despite unemployment soaring across the country.

Peter Ross owns CP Cases, a manufacturer of protective cases based at Worton Hall Industrial Estate off Worton Road, says he has found it hard to find skilled workers.

He said: "It is hard to find people who have manual skills nowadays. I am really struggling to find staff who have experience and a metal worker skills set.

"I don't know if it's something to do with the younger generation just not wanting to work, I do know that I employed my son three times and I had to sack him three times, because he just couldn't get up in the morning."

His business started with six employees in 1971 and now has 45, and an estimated annual turnover of £5 million.

The company's cases have protected valuable goods all over the world including The Ashes, Valentino Rossi's Ducati motor bike and replica Crown Jewels.

Mr Ross added: "I think it's important that people in the UK still learn manual trades all over the country.

"The best workers in this industry would be in the Midlands, but I would never move my factory up there because my workers in Isleworth are still here, they won't come here because it is too expensive."

Currently CP Cases are looking for two skilled workers, and Mr Ross is worrying that the jobs will permanently be in the job pages.

To enquire about the vacancies at CP Cases email Sunita Bal on sbal@cpcases.com