The hardest skilled trades & labour staff to find in 2024

The UK labour market, particularly within the trades and labour sectors, has been facing an uphill battle in recent years and finding quality staff for certain roles has become increasingly difficult. We take a look at some of the hardest positions to fill currently within the construction sector in this blog…

1. Bricklayers and Plasterers

The construction sector has been one of the hardest hit by labour shortages. According to the Construction Industry Training Board (CITB), there is a shortfall of over 50,000 skilled workers in the construction industry, with bricklayers and plasterers being among the hardest roles to fill.

• Bricklayers: The Federation of Master Builders (FMB) reported in their 2023 survey that 40% of small to medium-sized construction firms were struggling to hire bricklayers. The shortage is so severe that wages for bricklayers have increased by over 10% in some areas to attract talent, yet the gap remains.
• Plasterers: Plasterers are another trade experiencing a significant shortage. The same FMB report indicated that 34% of firms found it challenging to hire plasterers. This shortage has resulted in project delays and increased costs for construction companies.

2. Electrical and Plumbing Engineers

Electrical and plumbing roles are critical to the infrastructure and residential sectors, yet they are also among the hardest to staff with quality professionals.

• Electricians: The Electrotechnical and Skills Partnership (TESP) highlighted a growing demand for electricians, with an estimated 15,000 additional electricians needed by 2025 to meet the UK's infrastructure goals. Despite this demand, there is a significant shortfall in skilled professionals, particularly in more complex, high-voltage roles.
• Plumbers: Similarly, the Chartered Institute of Plumbing and Heating Engineering (CIPHE) has raised alarms about the shortage of skilled plumbers. The CIPHE reports that the average age of a UK plumber is now over 50, pointing to a future crisis as a large proportion of the workforce nears retirement. The demand for plumbers is outpacing supply, with apprenticeships not filling the gap fast enough.

3. Carpenters and Joiners

Carpenters and joiners are integral to the construction industry, yet finding skilled workers in these trades has become increasingly difficult.

• Carpenters: The Home Builders Federation (HBF) has highlighted the shortage of carpenters as a significant concern, particularly for housebuilders. Around 35% of firms surveyed reported difficulty in recruiting qualified carpenters. This shortage has led to delays in the completion of housing projects, further exacerbating the UK's housing crisis.
• Joiners: Similarly, the shortage of skilled joiners has been noted, especially in the bespoke furniture and interior fittings sectors. With a growing demand for custom, high-quality finishes in both residential and commercial properties, the lack of skilled joiners is impacting the ability to deliver on these increasingly complex projects.

4. Welders and Fabricators

The manufacturing and engineering sectors have seen a decline in the availability of skilled welders and fabricators. According to a report by the Engineering Employers' Federation (EEF), now Make UK, there is a shortfall of around 20,000 skilled welders in the UK.

This shortage is particularly acute in the aerospace, automotive, and construction equipment manufacturing industries, where precision and experience are crucial. The lack of skilled welders is affecting production timelines and increasing costs, as companies compete for a limited pool of talent.

5. Roofers and Tilers

Roofing and tiling are critical roles in the construction industry, yet they are increasingly difficult to staff with experienced professionals.

• Roofers: The National Federation of Roofing Contractors (NFRC) has reported a significant shortage of roofers, with 45% of roofing companies struggling to hire qualified staff. This shortage is particularly problematic given the growing demand for both new roofing and maintenance of existing roofs, especially with the increasing frequency of extreme weather conditions.
• Tilers: The shortage of tilers is another area of concern, particularly in the residential sector. The Tile Association (TTA) has highlighted that many firms are experiencing delays in projects due to the lack of available tilers, which is particularly problematic given the current boom in home renovations.

6. Scaffolders and Steel Erectors

These roles are critical to the construction of large-scale infrastructure projects, yet they are also among the hardest to staff. The CITB has highlighted scaffolders and steel erectors as key areas of concern, with an estimated shortfall of 5,000 workers in these roles.

The physical demands and the high-risk nature of the work make it difficult to attract younger workers, and as a result, these trades are facing an aging workforce without sufficient new entrants to replace those retiring.

If you're finding it hard to source suitable candidates for any of the positions above as well as any other roles, we are always on hand with our extensive database of candidates around the UK to help fill any gaps in your workforce. Please feel free to call today to speak to one of our experienced consultants - 0115 900 3171