A construction skills coalition says a dedicated MSP can help Scotland hit its housing targets.
In a manifesto published ahead of the country’s parliamentary election in May, the Scottish Construction Qualification Skills Council (SCQSC) has called for “the appointment of a cabinet-level minister to provide a single high-level voice for construction and infrastructure within the Scottish government”.
The council, which includes the Scottish Decorators’ Federation; the Scottish Building Federation; the Scottish Plant Owners Association, the Contract Flooring Association and the Federation of Master Builders, warns that national housing targets are at risk unless there is a “radical shift in workforce planning”.
In 2021, the SNP pledged to build 110,000 affordable new homes by 2032, but only 28% (31,064) have been completed, according to Scottish government statistics.
Apprentice funding
SCQSC is also urging reform of the current apprenticeship funding model, citing that for every £1 of government investment in the scheme, employers contribute an additional £10, affecting take-up among private construction firms.
Gordon Nelson, Scotland director at the Federation of Master Builders, said the lack of apprenticeships is stunting workforce growth and, conversely, construction targets.
“This is undermining the industry’s ability to build the new homes the country needs,” said Nelson. “Construction apprenticeships need to be protected and expanded and not become the victims of myopic cost-cutting.”
Stakeholder support
SCQSC’s manifesto aims to rally support among other stakeholders ahead of the election on 7 May. It has found backing, among others, from the Association of Project Safety, whose deputy CEO, Sofie Hooper, said she would welcome a minister for construction and infrastructure.
“A single voice at cabinet level would signal long-term commitment and seriousness to providing coherent policy solutions across departments, while acknowledging that construction is a key economic engine that needs solutions and investment unlocked at pace as part of the nation’s plan for the future.”
