Manchester could lose out on talent due to its planned congestion charge, according to a new survey.

The survey, from recruitment specialists Stark Brooks Associates, found that 71% of employees questioned said they would not search for a new job within the congestion charging zones, while 53% of professionals working within the specialist business services sector would be put off looking for work in the area.

Gary Chaplin, director at Stark Brooks, said: “We undertook the survey from a position of total neutrality, having already seen a migration away from the city centre due to traffic congestion over the last ten years.  We are already seeing even greater reservations from individuals about working in the city centre due to the threat of a congestion charge. The results from the survey appear to confirm that opinion as well as highlighting that the claimed overall positive effects – investment in public transport and less congestion if you have to travel – are not being communicated to the population at large. Manchester has always attracted a wealth of talented individuals, as the North West region has a lower cost of living compared to London with career opportunities just as good.”

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