An event to help businesses make sure they can manage the skills shortage will be held next week.

Forecasts from Cumbria Local Enterprise Partnership say there will be a labour shortfall of more than 20,000 people across the county within the next decade.

Upper Eden Business Support programme, funded by Eden District Council, is hosting the event in Kirkby Stephen next Thursday, June 13, to help firms make sure they have a supply of skilled labour.

Appleby Training & Heritage Centre will be at the event to provide information about the Eden Apprenticeship Scheme, which it runs on behalf of Eden District Council.

The scheme offers to cover a portion of the wage costs of a new apprentice to encourage small businesses to create new job opportunities for young people.

Burnetts Solicitors will speak about key employment law and Cumbria Careers Hub will outline its strategy to curb the issue of young talent leaving the county and not returning.

Kellie Bradburn-Sims, business advisor at the Upper Eden Business Hub, said: “The event is a great opportunity for Upper Eden Businesses to network and hear from a range of speakers."

The networking event, at The Bothy, starts at 7pm.

Call 017683 89132 to book a place.