THE construction industry needs to attract 7,740 recruits in the North-west each year between now and 2007 to keep up with demand for employees.

The Sector Skills Council for the industry says that number is needed so that current and future order books can be fulfilled by firms.

The occupations with the largest recruitment needs will be managers, people in the wood trades, electricians and clerical workers.

"The high figures are indicative of a significant increase in construction work in the region," the report says.

Construction output in the North-west last year totalled £5,930 million, with orders for new work standing at £3,388 million. The region has a total of 6,093 people in training.

Last year, the construction industry in the North-west provided direct and indirect employment for 224,270 people.

Steve Howsley, Skills Council area manager for the North-west, said: "Construction makes a vital contribution to the social, economic and environmental well-being of the North-west.

"A number of major projects are taking place in the North-west over the next few years.

"The construction industry faces a crucial challenge to attract and train sufficient recruits to meet the skills requirements these developments will create."