Skills shortages could force local employers to hire migrant workers for the 2012 Olympic games, businesses claim.

Employers and residents must be trained in the right skills to win Olympic contracts, the London Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) said.

The problem is especially acute in construction, transport, security, tourism and IT.

"There is particular concern that many Olympic contractors, especially those engaged in construction, will opt to import skilled labour, most probably from Eastern Europe, to work on building the infrastructure rather than investing in providing skills training for local recruits," the LCCI said.