A PIONEERING project that will enable marine companies in the south to share their labour resources and collaborate on new contracts has received government support and is now being piloted on the Isle of Wight.

The government is providing financial backing for the workforce-pooling Strategic Partnership Project, involving up to 89 employers and hundreds of workers.

The project, led by EEF South, the regional engineering employers' association, will help businesses linked to the Cowes Marine Cluster to share labour resources, to address skill shortages and to work together to secure new contracts.

It is hoped that the scheme will enable the participating companies to improve business performance by sharing best practice and to work together to bid for new contracts.

David Seall, chief executive of EEF South, said: "The pilot on the Island will provide evidence of tangible benefits in key areas such as skills enhancement, greater workforce stability and new business opportunities."