The poll aimed to assess skills levels in the area, and was conducted by the training and enterprise council Aztec.

It found that 15 per cent of respondents lacked management skills, but that almost everyone felt they had at least basic literacy, numeracy and communications skills.

Communication skills were thought to be the most important, while 41 per cent felt information technology skills were crucial for career development.

"One of the most interesting statistics of the survey is that 43 per cent of unemployed people ranked their com-puter skills as advanced or intermediate, suggesting there is a wealth of skilledpeople in south-west London," said Aztec chief executive Ian Parkes.

Aztec is setting up a system where people can open learning accounts and manage their own training needs for as little as £25, which will be matched with £150 from Aztec. For details call 020 8547 3839 or visit www.aztec-iip.co.uk