266,000 UK Construction Workers Required by 2026

Construction Skills Network reported during the Summer, that the UK construction industry will need to recruit an additional 266,000 workers over the upcoming 4 years to meet the demands of the countries project pipeline.

Carpenters, joiners and construction managers are among the positions that are most in demand, along with a range of technical roles, such as technicians and office-based support staff. Construction Industry Training Board (CITB) chief executive Tim Balcon has warned the sector needs to both “attract and retain top level talent” putting the onus on UK construction firms to develop their offering and enhance employment conditions & incentives.

The official report highlighted that a “pick-up” in construction work during 2021-22 has created a “very strong increase” in job vacancies and reported skills shortages. Coupled with a trend of fewer EU nationals in the construction workforce, the report suggested that firms should increase their teams by:

• reaching out to skilled workers who have left the industry to get them back into construction.
• attracting new entrants into the workforce from those leaving school, further education, apprenticeships, or higher education.
• improving the retention of workers within the industry.

As a recruitment firm with over 15 years of experience within the construction sector, we are in the privileged position to hold an extensive database of vetted candidates, perfectly placed to help fill the gaps within your firm. We represent candidates nationwide in the following sectors:

• Shop Fitting & Interiors
• Construction
• Civil Engineering
• Engineering
• House Building
• Food Production
• M&E
• Facilities Management.

We are also in a great position to advise your business on the current employment climate and the needs/expectations of viable candidates. If you are looking to recruit for any upcoming projects and would like advise on how best to retain staff feel free to get in touch for a chat with one of our expert consultants: hello@approachpersonnel.co.uk