While we’re still in the very early stages of the new Labour government era, the party has already laid out ambitious targets and encouraging plans for the UK construction industry.
Over the next five years, Labour has said it plans to build 1.5 million new homes in what it describes as “the biggest increase in social and affordable house building in a generation.”
Central to these targets is the New Home Accelerator Plan. This scheme intends to speed up the delivery of housing developments that for one reason or another have halted or become delayed.
For the industry to cope with expected demand, the Construction Industry Training Board (CITB) estimates that an additional 251,000 workers will be needed before 2028. The organisation also predicted that private housing, repair and maintenance, and infrastructure will be the three key recruitment focuses for the sector over the next five years.
Encouragingly, the CITB also anticipates UK-wide growth throughout this period, with increased output forecast for all devolved nations and the nine English regions.
Where in the UK is demand for construction workers the highest?
Within the latest Construction Skills Network report, the CITB broke down how the demand for construction workers looks per region, and the significant construction projects behind the numbers.
For example, the CITB predicts that 26,500 extra workers will be needed in Greater London by 2028, a figure largely driven by the £8bn Thamesmead redevelopment project.
Elsewhere, the South East could need 10,400 extra workers, with the £8.2bn Lower Thames Crossing Project cited as the significant project in this region. Meanwhile, the South West is estimated to need a massive 42,400 workers due to the £25bn Hinkley Point C nuclear new build.
A further study conducted by Integrated Fencing (via RCI Mag) has assessed which UK cities currently have the biggest demand for construction workers, based on the number of vacancies weighted against the population.
Chesterfield was the standout with 1,434.04 construction jobs per 1000 people, followed by Bath (1247.52), Blackburn (999.80), Harrogate (868.54) and Oxford (788.47).
With consistent signs of growth shown in the first half of 2024, and several major construction projects set to get underway in the coming months and years, there is plenty to be optimistic about in both the immediate and longer-term future.
While labour shortages will still likely be a headache for bosses and hiring managers, those already working in, or entering the industry with sought-after skill sets, should be in a strong position in terms of employment opportunities and earning potential.