Construction plea for roles on ‘Shortage Occupation’ list
CM 25/01
With limited labour available in the UK, the industry has to make itself more attractive than other sectors.
Unfortunately, construction companies don’t look at this. The only reason construction is short of labour is due to the industry itself not investing in its own industry. It’s not up to government to ensure the correct skills are available to sustain construction companies, it’s up to the companies themselves.
Stephen McGowan
If politicians (of all parties) stopped using the industry as a political football, and gave workers secure jobs instead of seeing them as casual workers, young people might see the industry as a future prospect for themselves.
Additionally, when employers finally wake up to the fact that they ALL need to train apprentices, instead of waiting for someone else to do it, they may have the “skilled” workforce they keep saying they need.
Roy A
We have had this situation with EU nationals working for wages well below the UK average, thus taking UK jobs.
Graham Skeer
Young people shun ‘unexciting’ construction careers
CM 08/02
L&Q are to be commended for leading the way here and investing £1m of their own funds into a schools programme.
Anthony Carroll
I joined the industry in 1965 and have found construction to be so interesting, challenging, rewarding and financially a very stable means of having a most enjoyable life.
I technically retired at age 57 years old, but as an experienced senior manager, I still found lots of opportunities to assess other managers, so that they could obtain NVQ level 6 or 7 qualifications, as experienced, safe and competent members of the qualified construction workforce.
The range of construction projects never ceases to amaze me and generates as much job satisfaction now as it did when I joined as a 16-year-old.
Austin Hargreaves
The construction, and housebuilding Industry, together with offsite construction, robotics and energy efficiency/carbon reduction programmes affect every individual in this country, and the world. I cannot see that this is boring – on the contrary, we all face the greatest available challenge, and the work is completely satisfying.
Les Jennison
Delighted to read this article as I have long since thought that there has not been enough emphasis on jobs in the construction industry during careers advice in schools.
I truly hope that L&Q succeeds in promoting interest in the variety of work available to learn and to reassure students that they can succeed and be proud to be a part of this essential work.
Hazel Howell-Smith
Government plans new housing complaints service
CM 25/01
Well it’s most definitely long overdue. The customer, whether of rented or new homes, should have peace of mind and know there is a clear support system there if unfortunately required.
I am in the industry and I feel it may help improve the standards of workmanship – that for some time now have continued to fall below what I believe to be good enough, as the industry is fundamentally driven by maximum productivity and profits.
Housebuilders’ boards seem not to be overly concerned about the end customer.
Kevin J Sherwood
Fire chiefs warn developers to stop ignoring sprinkler advice
CM 12/02
Let’s be realistic. If it’s not in the building code then it’s unlikely developers will act on a “crucial recommendation”.
Gary
Gary, yes that would be the “Show me where it says” approach.
Just as well there are very limited consequences (in the event of a fire with casualties) for people who make decisions like this, isn’t it?
Charles
The London Fire Brigade fail to acknowledge the additional health and safety risks to residents that fitting sprinklers will create. Very blinkered approach on their part.
Tania
