- The construction industry in the U.K. is facing a severe worker shortage of 200,000 workers.
- Reasons for the shortage include an aging workforce, lack of training opportunities, immigration restrictions, and growing industry requirements.
- Low wages and poor working conditions have made the industry unattractive to younger workers.
- Employers can bypass this problem by focusing on quality rather than quantity when hiring, investing in automation and robotics, outsourcing certain jobs, and more.
- Doing so will help businesses complete projects on time without hiring more workers.
As a construction firm owner, you may already be aware of the ongoing shortage of construction workers in the U.K. This shortage has been a cause of concern for many construction businesses, big and small. The shortage is so severe that some firms struggle to complete their projects on time. Here’s what you need to know about the current worker shortage, its reasons, and ways to bypass it.
The Worker Shortage in The Construction Industry U.K.
The construction industry in the U.K. is experiencing a severe worker shortage. According to reports, the sector has an estimated shortage of 200,000 workers. This figure considers both qualified and experienced jobs and those that don’t require any specific qualifications or experience.
The Reasons Behind The Worker Shortage
There are multiple reasons why the construction industry in the U.K. is facing a worker shortage. Here are some of them:
Aging Workforce
The construction industry in the U.K. is facing an aging workforce. According to a recent study, the country’s average age of construction workers is 44. This means a significant workforce will retire in the coming years. As a result, there will be a shortage of skilled workers, further increasing the pressure on the industry.
Lack of Training
Another reason for the shortage of construction workers in the U.K. is the lack of proper training. The younger generation is not attracted to the construction industry due to its perceived low pay and the lack of career growth opportunities. Moreover, there is a shortage of apprenticeships and vocational training programs, limiting the number of workers entering the industry.
Immigration Restrictions
The U.K. government has tightened its immigration policies, making it difficult for foreign workers to enter the country. This has led to a significant drop in the number of workers coming from the EU, one of the major sources of construction workers for the U.K. This has worsened the labor shortage situation even further.
Growing Industry
Construction is a growing industry in the U.K., with more projects coming up every year. This has strained the existing workforce, leading to an acute shortage of skilled workers.
Low Wages and Poor Working Conditions
Finally, the construction industry in the U.K. is known for its low wages and poor working conditions. This has made the industry unattractive to younger workers looking for better opportunities. The industry must improve its image and offer better compensation to attract more workers.
Ways to Bypass This Problem
Thankfully, there are various ways to bypass the worker shortage. Here are five effective ways to do that:
Quality Vs. Quantity
It’s better to hire a few trained employees than more untrained employees. This philosophy means that the employees you hire have taken the CITB exam. This exam covers all the relevant topics related to the construction industry.
Invest In Automation
Investing in automation and robotics is another great way to bypass the worker shortage. This can help reduce manual labor and inefficient processes, resulting in faster project completion times.
Outsource Jobs
You can also outsource certain jobs, such as carpentry, painting, plumbing, or electrical work, to other qualified professionals. This can help you complete projects quickly without having to hire more workers.
Provide Training Programs
It’s a good idea to provide training programs for your existing employees so they become more knowledgeable and efficient at their jobs. You can also use these programs to attract new workers seeking career growth opportunities in the construction sector.
Offer Attractive Pay and Benefits
Finally, offering attractive pay and benefits packages to your employees is essential. This can make the industry more appealing to potential workers, allowing you to attract qualified candidates looking for an excellent job with decent compensation and job security.
The construction industry in the U.K. is facing an acute worker shortage due to various reasons, such as an aging workforce. To address this problem, businesses must invest in automation, outsource jobs when necessary, provide training programs for existing staff members, and offer attractive pay/benefits packages. Doing so will help them bypass the current labor shortage situation and complete projects on time.
