THE COUNTY'S workers are outperformed by the rest of the South East, according to a report.

In a detailed analysis of the county's "mosaic economy”, the latest Kent Economic Report claims that the county's workforce performance is the weakest in the region.

It says that some evidence suggests the county has lost further ground in the past two years.

The gloomy assessment follows a recent survey suggesting that more than 20 per cent of the population is illiterate.

The report states: "Kent workers remain rather less qualified than their counterparts across the region...further ground has been lost against many other parts of the South East."

It warns that a "potentially sharp labour market division is emerging between the strong performing sub-areas of West Kent and the Channel Corrridor, and those with much weaker workforce profiles in North Kent and East Kent."

It claims that the county's economy is "comparatively lacking" in dynamism and that growth "remains modest”.

Socially, Kent is a "county divided," the report says. "The Channel Corridor and especially West Kent continue to contrast sharply with the less prosperous and less advantaged East and North Kent sub-areas."

But, on a more positive note, it says that while West Kent is the principal growth "engine”, development in North Kent is now increasingly important.

North Kent is also doing better in terms of business start-ups, and is experiencing "encouraging growth" in knowledge-based businesses.

The report analysed data about 19 geographical areas: Kent County Council; KCC and Medway; 12 district councils; Medway council; and four sub areas -- North Kent, West Kent, Channel Corridor and East Kent Triangle.

* Copies of the report are available from KCC on 01622 221898, email economic.development@kent.gov.uk, or website www.kentprospects.org.uk