... and industry is short of 6,400 workers
SCOTLAND faces a shortfall of more than 6,000 construction workers in the midst of a major housing shortage, say researchers.
The Construction Industry Training Board (CITB) has estimated £8billion is being spent this year on building projects, which will require 247,400 workers.
With only 241,000 available, that means a shortfall of 6,400 people.
Highlands and Islands has the largest shortfall, at 13,000 workers. The South-East, including Edinburgh and the Lothians, needs 12,100.
But Lanarkshire has an oversupply of 14,550 workers and the South-West 5,000.
The researchers identified shortages of painters and decorators, heating and ventilation engineers, plumbers and roofers.
Ian Hughes, partnership director for Scotland at the CITB, said: ‘There are clearly opportunities across Scotland. Part of our job is how we unlock these additional jobs and get people into construction.’
Cruden Building managing director Allan Callaghan said: ‘We need to increase the number of people choosing to work in the sector.’
A Scottish Government spokesman said: ‘Through our investment in skills we are ensuring Scotland’s workforce supports our economy, including key sectors such as construction.’