EEF South, the regional engineering employers' association, is playing a leading role in a far-reaching workforce pooling initiative that could help solve skilled labour shortages in the south's marine sector.

During the past nine months, a pioneering project has been examining the feasibility of workforce sharing among companies.

The first phase of the project is now complete and a report - covering the UK and around the world - has been released.

Phase one of the project was an initiative by regional development agency SEEDA.

The group is led by Linda Rutter of EEF South and includes the Southern and Eastern Region Trades Union, ACAS, Marinetech South, Cowes Marine Cluster and Hampshire and Isle of Wight Learning and Skills Council.

Linda said: "The project aims to help marine companies face challenges through innovative work arrangements while providing the basis for growth in this competitive sector and we are hoping to secure funding for the pilot stage of the study."