UK needs 250,000 extra construction workers by 2028

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That’s according to a new forecast from the Construction Industry Training Board (CITB), which highlights the extent of the construction skills shortage in the country.

CITB’s Construction Skills Network (CSN) 2024-28 report forecast average growth in the sector of 2.4% a year between now and 2028. That would require 251,000 extra workers, as construction employment rose to 2.75 million people in four years’ time, it said.

The main opportunities for growth are likely to come in private housing, infrastructure, and repair and maintenance, the report predicted.

The UK construction industry currentl manages to recruit 200,000 people a year but loses about 210,000 people over the same time period. CITB reported that almost one third (31%) of construction employers struggle to find suitably trained staff.

Tim Balcon, CITB chief executive, said: “The UK construction industry will continue to grow, but needs more people in the workforce with the right skills. There has always been a demand for workers, and CITB’s CSN report drives home how many are leaving the sector compared to those joining, and the opportunities for employers to address this challenge by recruiting and developing a skilled, competent, and diverse workforce that is able to meet current and future needs.

“The ‘people pipeline’ is critical to sector growth, but other improvements are also important, including productivity and technological innovation. This is why our commitment to investing over £267m to ensure the skills system is fit for purpose – now and in the future – is so significant.”