Shortage of Bricklayers, Roofers, Carpenters Hits UK
The United Kingdom is currently facing a severe shortage of skilled construction workers, including bricklayers, roofers, and carpenters. This crisis has led to significant delays for homeowners and businesses seeking building services, highlighting a critical gap in the country's workforce.
Since 2021, the demand for construction services has outstripped supply, leaving 415,000 people waiting over a year to secure a builder. This shortage isn't limited to builders alone. According to a national construction audit by Fix Radio, 301,000 households have been waiting a year for plumbers and heating engineers, 294,000 for roofers, and 274,000 for carpenters.
On average, the wait time for a bricklayer has exceeded three months over the past three years, while landscapers, painters, and decorators have left customers waiting for two and a half months. These delays have serious implications for major projects and homeowners alike, causing frustration and financial strain.
Industry experts warn that the shortage of skilled workers is having a severe impact on major construction projects. For instance, the completion of the Co-op Live venue in Manchester has been delayed due to the lack of available labor. The economic repercussions are significant, with the UK projected to miss out on £98 billion of growth by 2030 if the skills gap isn't addressed.
The Construction Industry Training Board’s Construction Skills Network estimates that nearly one million trades
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