Over 50% of builders and tradespeople believe skills shortage will worsen

​​​​​​​This growing concern, up 5% on last year, is set against the backdrop of ambitious government building targets

Research from Jewson, released as part of its annual Trade Trends report, suggests that more than half (54%) of builders and tradespeople believe the skills shortage will get worse. 

This growing concern, up 5% on last year, is set against the backdrop of ambitious government building targets, including the promise of 1.5 million new homes and a “generation” of new towns.

The data from the builders’ merchant suggests the impact of the skills shortage will be wide-ranging for both tradespeople and their customers.

Almost a fifth (19%) think it will drive up labour costs due to increased competition, while a similar proportion (18%) say they’ll struggle to take on as much work.

Homeowners could also face longer waits for their projects, as 11% say they can’t complete projects as quickly, with many already hitting capacity.

Leigh Hill, a Regional Director for Jewson, said: “The skills shortage continues to present an issue for the construction industry, and much more needs to be done to solve the problem. With an ageing workforce and many experienced builders and tradespeople retiring, it’s clear that the time for action is now.”

The report from Jewson suggests that almost a fifth (19%) of builders and tradespeople plan to explore new talent routes, such as apprenticeships or bringing on subcontractors, to help address the problem.

For those already working, it could lead to greater reward, with 13% of those asked considering offering higher wages to attract skilled workers.