Skills Spectre Still Scary

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Despite a continued lack of economic growth and the slight decline in construction output, the FMB is warning the skills shortage is still a spectre looming large.

Brian Berry, chief executive of the Federation of Master Builders (FMB), says: “It disappointing to see activity in the construction industry contracting (according to July’s ONS data), following what had been a promising start to the summer.

“The 0.4 per cent overall decline, coming from falls in both new work and repair and maintenance, is a worrying sign that challenging times remain ahead for the construction industry, especially with the UK economy flatlining.

“Following the election, it has been encouraging that the new government is making house building a key priority. The early announcements setting ambitious housing targets and proposing significant planning reforms are promising.

“However, the UK is currently experiencing a serious skills crisis which is affecting all sectors.  Delivering a long-term skills plan to significantly boost the numbers of construction workers will be key in growing capacity, delivering stability and making these goals a reality.”

Picture: Brian Berry, chief executive of the Federation of Master Builders.

www.fmb.org.uk

Article written by Cathryn Ellis
25th September 2024

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