‘Build, Build Build,’ But Who Will Do the Building?
Investing in construction projects is an excellent way to re-energize the UK economy. Improving the built environment provides badly needed employment opportunities throughout supply chains. It also improves people’s lives. Osborne has a healthy pipeline of projects and is recruiting for roles at all levels.
But there’s a problem. It’s the shortage of skilled labour.
An ageing workforce, Brexit, and Covid-19 are combining to make life extremely difficult. The Migration Advisory Committee recently recommended that bricklayers should be added to the official ‘shortage occupation list’ and given preferential treatment when applying for visas after Brexit.
In truth, the difficulties go beyond bricklayers. Shortages extend to all skilled trades including plumbers, carpenters and plasterers.
In addition to increasing the supply of imported labour, what other options do we have to ensure that the country has the skilled people it needs?
Apprenticeships Need a Boost
Part of the answer has to be training. Yet, as the union Unite recently highlighted, economic uncertainty could mean that there are 20,000 fewer construction apprentices than in 2019.
Many apprentices have been furloughed and there is a strong argument in favour of targeted support to ensure that these people stay in the industry and continue to develop their skills. We need to make sure that recruitment onto apprenticeship programmes doesn’t drop like a stone.
Mental Health
As skilled labour is likely to stay in short supply, we also need to make sure that as many people as possible are available for work and fully productive while they are there. This means supporting people to take better care of their mental and physical health.
According to one survey, 40% of workers in construction and engineering took time off in 2019 owing to mental health issues. While the industry is making progress, it’s clear that more needs to be done. Mental health is an area that Osborne is working hard to address with over 100 mental health first aiders appointed and trained to date.
There is no single action that will resolve the shortages of skilled labour. It’s a question of all stakeholders working together to develop multi-faceted solutions. The urgency and scale of the problem means that this process needs to start immediately.
We are looking for passionate and driven people to join our team, where you’ll add value and contribute to the success of major construction projects across the South of England and Midlands. You can find out more about Osborne careers here or look at our current vacancies here.
