JUST half of local manufacturers believe they will reach pre-lockdown levels of production by 2021 - according to a new survey.

In a recent national poll by Markit/CIPS PMI, manufacturers were asked if they expect to reach 75-100 per cent of pre-covid operating levels by 2021.

Yorkshire & Humber manufacturers have the lowest confidence levels at 50 per cent, compared to the highest in the south-east & London at 71 per cent.

A report going to West Yorkshire Combined Authority's Employment and Skills Panel on Friday reveals the 40 per cent of local manufacturers think it will take longer than 12 months to return to normal trading conditions.

The committee, made up of representatives from local Councils, will be given an update on how Covid - 19 and the associated lockdown has impacted on local businesses and workforces.

Members will be told that while most business suffered from the lockdown, some are seeing an upturn as lockdown eases.

Taxi drivers, nurses and security guards some of occupations worst hit by Covid-19

The Leeds Enterprise Partnership has met with a number of businesses this month, and the report says: "Some of these reported an upturn in activity over the past week as more of the economy reopens – this is particularly true for manufacturers and their suppliers. Some report unusually high levels of demand, potentially as other suppliers are not yet trading, though others report a more subdued picture.

"Those in, or supplying, the hospitality sector are more uncertain about the short- and medium-term outlook.

"Wider engagement work suggests large office occupiers across the country may be reviewing their footprint requirements post-Covid and future ways of working. The impact on Leeds City Region businesses and any potential North shoring opportunities are still to be understood."

Members will also hear: "Some businesses have also expressed concern about the impact the new track and trace measures could have on operations if a significant proportion of the workforce are required to selfisolate, even if the workplace has stringent measures in place."

Another impact of the lockdown has been plummeting levels of people starting apprenticeships.

Recently released data show that the number of apprenticeship starts at national level halved (51 per cent fall) in the initial period of lockdown (23 March to the end of April) as compared with the same period of 2019.

The report to the committee says: "Starts for under-19s were particularly hard hit, falling by three quarters (74 per cent) on the previous year, whereas starts for people aged 25+ fell 42 per cent.

"The fall reflects the fact that Covid-19 has resulted in the closure of colleges and some employers are unable to start or continue apprenticeships as planned.

"In absolute terms, Health, Public Services and Care saw the biggest contraction in starts, of 3,700 (-46 per cent) but the biggest proportionate falls were for Engineering and Manufacturing Technologies (-74 per cent), followed by Construction (-72 per cent) and Retail and Commercial Enterprise (-72 per cent).