THE Government has launched a new online tool to help skilled workers facing redundancy find jobs.

Around 1,500 employers are expected to sign up to the web-based system, which will be fully operational by next January.

Several manufacturing and engineering firms - including car giant Nissan, which has an established supply chain on Teesside - are already using the tool to recruit staff.

Business Minister Mark Prisk urged more firms to use it to help keep workers in a job. He said: “This easily accessible system will play a vital role in ensuring that these skills are not lost by re-deploying highly-skilled workers into growing sectors of advanced manufacturing, such as automotive, energy, infrastructure and aerospace.

“The defence sector makes a substantial contribution to the country’s skills economy through high-value jobs and as a key sponsor of apprenticeships and training.”

The tool could help boost take-up of workers in sectors such as engineering and construction, which are fighting a long-term skills shortage.

On Teesside, Hartlepool electronics firm Stadium Group, Stockton engineering specialist Francis Brown and car parts maker Nifco UK, also in Stockton, have all highlighted the issue as a key barrier to growth.

A new survey by employment specialist Monster said recruitment among engineering firms was rising, suggesting a potential narrowing of the skills gap.

But a closer look at the figures revealed that many jobs were being offered on a part-time basis.

Michael Gentle of Monster, said: “With official figures showing unemployment edging downward and employment rising by 376,000 people over the year, the UK certainly has reason to feel comforted by an expanding job market.

“However, a lot of new employment opportunities have come in the form of part-time work, especially in sectors like construction where firms are recruiting but not for long-term positions. This suggests the job market might not be as steady as the figures initially suggest.

“Nonetheless, overall recruitment growth continues in a positive direction, especially in the economy’s key sectors.”