Midlands construction sector facing skills crisis

ALACK of skilled workers across the sector remains an issue in the Midlands construction market, according to new research.

The RICS Construction Market Survey, covering the final quarter of 2016, suggests skill shortages were the most notable across the Midlands in this period.

They were also above the national average, with a shortage of quantity surveyors being a particular concern, according to the survey.

This quarter, 75 per cent of respondents highlighted this as an issue – the highest figure since 2007, the report said.

In addition to the concerns raised over a lack of quantity surveyors, surveyors reported a lack of other construction professionals including bricklayers to be holding projects back.

Despite skill shortages being an impediment to growth, the Midlands continues to report a relatively firm rise in total workloads.

While not as adversely affected by the EU referendum confidence dip as other regions, the sector has now regained momentum with 28 per cent of respondents reporting an increase in workloads this quarter.

Private industrial and infrastructure continues to outpace other regions with 32 per cent and 24 per cent of respondents, respectively, reporting growth in these areas.

Jeremy Blackburn, RICS’ head of policy, said: “Many firms are currently having to bring construction professionals in from outside the UK.

“The lack of quantity surveyors consistently apparent in our survey is also underscored by the fact that, at the moment, under the government’s Shortage Occupation List, it is easier to employ a ballet dancer than a quantity surveyor.

“Even if we were to reverse this and also ensure that through Brexit we maintain access to EU workforce, we would still have a domestic shortfall of skills.

“The Industrial Strategy is a golden opportunity to align education, training and employer work paths – along with modern methods of construction – to ensure we have the skilled workforce to meet our building targets.”