The group is frustrated at delays over Proskills bid to become part of a government scheme to boost skills and recruitment. The Sector Skills Council (SSC) could give the PEF a slice of 1.5m of government money over three years.

The SSC is the only show in town and we have to look at a sensible partnership. That may or may not be with Proskills. We are considering our options, said PEF chief executive designate Richard Beamish.

Proskills covers the process and manufacturing industry and covers industries including paper, surface coatings, building products and furniture.

If we can get agreement it unlocks the door to other funding from sources such as the DTI, he said.

Beamish added: We have around 242,000 people in the industry and you need 500,000 employees to form an SSC. Thats why we need to have partners.