Chelmsford is on the verge of a critical shop worker shortage because its housing boom is making homes unaffordable on their level of pay.

Shops such as Uniglo and Deichmann have been advertising since they signed their leases, several weeks in advance of opening, in order to complete recruitment.

Many shop workers are playing the field and moving for higher pay, and finding new recruits or replacement staff is a real headache, say retail sources.

Mick McDonagh, former Chamber of Commerce president and head of High Chelmer shopping centre, says that the situation can only become worse because Chelmsford is a victim of its own prosperity.

Flats and maisonettes in the county town now cost an average of £90,000 and the average for all property is £169,000.

Mr McDonagh says that Chelmsford's difficulties could be more acute than those of many south east towns because of its growing popularity and prominent position in the housing boom.

"Certainly businesses are aware of the problem and try to recruit well in advance but, in some towns, offers on premises have been withdrawn when it is seen that there is no prospect of the retailer, particularly at the value end of the market, ever recruiting any staff," he said.

"It is not impossible that this situation could arise in Chelmsford. What the retail group of Town Centre Management probably needs to do is talk with the Chelmer Housing Partnership.

"It is not only key people like teachers, nurses and police who need affordable homes."

Published Friday August 16, 2002

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