People looking for a new job are being urged to learn foreign languages as it becomes easier to carry out business in other countries.

Closer links with Europe, the arrival of the single currency and the Channel Tunnel have all meant that businesses are in a position to develop stronger ties with continental counterparts and therefore need employees who can communicate with various countries.

Jonathan Barber, Bradford-based regional manager of financial recruitment consultancy Accountability, said: "We are finding that many companies place great value on a candidate who can speak a foreign language, even if it is not needed as a daily part of their job.

"It demonstrates to the employer that the prospective employee possesses vital transferable skills.

"More importantly, as companies expand into international markets, those who speak a second language may find their career prospects take a different and interesting route.

"It is never too late to learn or improve a language skill, there are professional courses and seminars which are designed for the business community or even classes which are taught at schools, colleges and universities.

"Even if you decide to learn a language as a hobby, it always looks impressive on a CV."

Converted for the new archive on 30 June 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.