Virtually all segments of the transport and logistics industry are experiencing labour shortages at present, according to the report of the Expert Group on Future Skill Needs.

It says transport and logistics are crucially important to an island economy and therefore labour shortages in this area are of particular concern.

It expects total employment in the sector to rise by almost 18,000 between 1996 and 2003. Despite this, the supply of employees is likely to be constrained by the falling number of school-leavers and the decline in the pool of unemployed people, it says.

It adds that the changing face of the sector, where there is now increased computerisation, means the skills profile has been raised.

Because of its vital contribution to the economy, the report advocates an extensive survey of the industry and its "evolving mode of operation and skill requirement for the future".

The dramatic growth in call centres is also considered in the report and again it says there is evidence of serious labour supply problems. Employment is projected to reach 11,800 by December 2000 and labour supply will remain tight as a result.

The report says one factor which has helped is that call centre companies have changed their recruitment methods and adopted more attractive human resources policies to gain and keep staff.

However, other measures still need to be introduced. Among these are ongoing promotion campaigns to inform school-leavers about jobs in the industry and greater efforts by the industry to attract people at present working in the home.

The report says shortages are now "endemic" across the tourism sector, with particular problems in finding chefs, commis chefs, waiters, waitresses and general kitchen staff. This has led to widespread poaching of staff, rising wage rates and high labour turnover.

It notes that Bord Failte has previously forecast an increase of 42,000 tourism-supported jobs between 1997 and 2003. "Unless labour market conditions ease, it is difficult to envisage such industry growth targets being attained," the report states. "Enhanced recruitment and retention of staff within the industry require the creation of a better image for the industry as an employer." Easing labour shortages in the industry requires the same policies needed in other areas - reducing taxation on the low paid and encouraging increased labour force participation by women.