Job losses across Sussex following the terrorist attacks in the United States have done nothing to alleviate the county's skills shortage.

The unemployment rate has remained below four per cent despite more than 5,000 redundancies announced by Sussex firms in recent months and even non-skilled workers are in demand.

Pam Foden, executive officer of West Sussex Economic Forum, said the hospitality sector particularly was feeling the effect of a lack of skilled staff. With the season about to start, many establishments had reported a larger than usual number of vacancies.

Staff made redundant at Gatwick had been absorbed by businesses in Sussex, Surrey, Kent and Hampshire and had made little difference to the shortages felt by many industries.

The Sussex Learning and Skills Council (SLSC) has launched the biggest demand/supply survey ever carried out in the county to establish the skills and qualifications employers need from staff to be most productive.

The survey will feed into a strategy being put together by a heavyweight group of Sussex leaders in business, public services and education seeking to raise the skills of the region to match employers' needs.

SLSC executive director Henry Ball said: "We aim to bring about a radical change to workforce planning in the region, led by the specific needs of the key employment sectors.

"The main task will be to engage with employers and their employees to demonstrate learning pays. We will do it both directly and through employer groups, trade unions and our provider networks."

Statistics from Sussex Enterprise indicated people educated to Level 3 and above - equal to two or more A-levels - earned at least eight per cent above the average Sussex salary of £16,757. Those educated to Level 2 - equal to five GSCEs - and below earned 20 per cent less than the average salary.

Studies are under way in creative industries, construction, health and social care, the public sector, hospitality and tourism, engineering, business and financial services, pharmaceuticals, air travel and transport, new media, sports and recreation and the retail sector.

SLSC is looking at the needs of the rural economy and skill shortages, such as those in information technology at user support and analyst levels. It is also offering advice to employers about how to access funding to train their staff.