The UK construction industry is grappling with a labour shortage that is delaying projects and driving up costs across the sector. A staggering 83% of construction firms are struggling to recruit workers, as the sector faces a critical workforce shortfall.

Recruitment Struggles Intensify: 83% of Construction Firms Facing Shortages

Recent figures show that 83% of construction companies are struggling to recruit workers, making the sector one of the hardest hit by hiring challenges. This shortage has been driven by a combination of factors, including an aging workforce, a decline in young entrants, and post-Brexit restrictions on skilled foreign labour.

Retirement Crunch: Over 20% of Construction Workers Nearing Retirement

The sector faces another hurdle as more than 20% of construction workers are aged 55 or older, with many nearing retirement. The departure of these experienced workers is expected to leave a significant skills gap. Catherine Storer, Construction Training Expert at Essential Site Skills, emphasised, "The shortage of skilled labour is already causing project delays and increasing costs. With a large portion of our workforce set to retire soon, this issue will only intensify."

Brexit Fallout: Fewer EU Workers Compounding the Crisis

The recruitment problem has worsened due to Brexit, which has significantly reduced the number of skilled foreign workers entering the UK. In London alone, the number of EU-born construction workers has declined by 40%, placing additional pressure on firms trying to meet demand.

Urgent Call for Solutions: Training, Apprenticeships, and Immigration Reforms Needed

To meet growing demand, the Construction Industry Training Board (CITB) estimates that over 43,000 new workers must be recruited annually until 2028. Storer adds, “Addressing this shortage requires immediate action, from enhancing apprenticeship programs to revisiting immigration policies. Essential Site Skills is committed to playing a key role in upskilling the next generation of construction workers, but broader collaboration is needed.”

Looking Ahead: Building the Workforce for Tomorrow

As infrastructure projects and housing demands continue to rise, solving the labour shortage will be crucial to the long-term success of the UK’s construction industry. Essential Site Skills remains dedicated to providing the training necessary to develop a robust, skilled workforce capable of meeting these future challenges.