Labour shortages in construction could lead to a skills gulf with workers’ wages doubling, according to a new report.
The new Arcadis Talent Scale report from consultant Arcadis states that the construction industry will need to recruit 400,000 people every year between now and 2021 if it is to meet the housing and infrastructure needs of the UK.
This could lead to a “minted workforce”, particularly in carpentery and joinery, where demand accounts for nearly one sixth of all national resource requirements.
Plumbers, electricians, and bricklayers are also in high demand, particularly in the labour-intensive house building sector.
The report found that in house building alone, if the UK is to increase output to 270,000 new homes over the next five years, it will need to employ in excess of 370,000 new people. Meanwhile, when it comes to meeting forecast national infrastructure requirements, an additional 36,500 people will need to be employed every year.
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The figures are independent of the impact of any eventual Brexit deal, which would further exacerbate the existing labour shortages and issues such as an ageing workforce and difficulties in attracting new people to the industry.
The consultant said skills shortages could lead to higher labour costs and, combined with already rising material costs, could push up construction prices and jeopardise output growth.
James Bryce, director of workforce planning for Arcadis, said: “What we have is not a skills gap, it is a skills gulf. Systemic underinvestment in the nation’s workforce has contributed to a reduction in UK productivity.
“Construction employment is already down 15% on 2008 and, quite simply, if we don’t have the right people to build the homes and infrastructure we need, the UK is going to struggle to maintain its competitive position in the global economy.”
He said it was imperative the government begins to address ways to secure the rights of EU workers and it was something it needed to move on now, rather then two years down the road when the reality of Brexit may be approaching.
He added that the need to get back into schools was essential, to engage with younger people and encourage them into construction.
“In the long-term we need to be getting into schools and speaking to 10-year-olds and tracking them, it may seem extreme but these are the ones we need to engage with if they are to be the future construction workers eight to 10 years down the line.
“We need to look at the issue as a societal thing not commercial. Politically we also need government leaders, too long there has just been talk and everyone hedging their bets, but we need actions.”
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I agree with this article as i am covering this subject for my dissertation. The conclusion I have come up with is that we have to engage the school curriculum and bring in qualifications to schools taught by skilled people not academics.
The older tradesmen are not passing their skills on so their knowledge will die with them
I agree construction needs to start encouraging younger people into the industry. But wages need addressing for these skilled people to consider construction particularly when watching the documentary best place to live in the UK and you find out a creator of computer games will start on 35 thousand a year. Granted they need a degree but still wouldn’t say it was a skilled job. Also believe people such as myself need supporting I’m a 31 year old going through a career change to construction I would like to be a site manager but even voluntary work seems hard to get.
Hi Benjamin Sewell, it might be worthwhile getting in contact with the employment team at your Local Authority to find out if they have any initiatives for work experience in construction – I work for Camden Council and our Kings Cross Construction Skills Centre (KXCSC) scheme aims to supports those that are interested in working in construction (but applicants have to resident in Camden or Islington). Best wishes and good luck!
Thank you Alice I will look into this. maybe the citb could get involved here as the chief executive thinks they have a future.
Having just retired after 56 years in the Construction Industry, nothing has changed. All the time the industry has been regarded as the poor relation by the Political Establishment so there is no incentive or esteem for potential recruits. Until a shift in attitude takes place, this shortfall will continue, with the best of all disciplines leaving the UK.
I’m an experienced Site Manager and Quantity Surveyor during almost 20 years. Recently arrived to UK from Spain, and CIOB rejected my membership application the day of BREXIT, 1 hour after Cameron resignation. After 4 months waiting the outcome. Some of you think that this is support for professionals or is good for construction industry?
The industry and government have to agree a strategy for stopping the boom and bust cycles and are trying to do so with CITB facilitating that discussion. The career and progression prospects for individuals are good. Please all look at the industry’s own website Go Construct which is a great place to start. There is discussions with schools and colleges, I am an Enterprise Advisor for one of my local schools and we have resources for careers teachers and ambassadors to use to explain how good construction is.
The website is also good for returners to industry and new starters so please have a look.
Regarding CIOB membership keep trying following instructions from the website so you have the correct route for your particular situation.