Parliament restoration at risk from lack of craftsmen

A SHORTAGE of stonemasons, plasterers and historic window specialists threatens the restoration of Parliament, officials have warned.

Staff on the restoration and renewal programme conducted a survey of workers in the heritage sector to assess whether the UK had enough skilled craftsmen to carry out the job.

They found that restoration skills were dwindling in sectors such as furniture, textiles, painting, stained glass and clock-making, with officials fearing there will be a shortage of workers to revamp the Palace of Westminster.

The research also suggests that more than a third of the heritage plastering and window specialists in the UK will be needed to work on the refurbishment. Many crafts have become “extinct” or “critically endangered” because too few young people have joined the profession.

A range of measures have been suggested to encourage more people into the heritage construction sector, including new bursaries for disadvantaged students.

The restoration programme has also joined a “Heritage Client Group” with Historic England and Historic Environment Scotland to encourage more people to learn an ancient craft. On average, it takes between five and 10 years to become skilled in heritage work.

Duncan Wilson, chief executive at Historic England, said: “The restoration and renewal of the Houses of Parliament presents an unprecedented opportunity to address long-standing heritage skills construction shortages in England and the wider UK, focussing on areas of greatest need.”