Industry leaders warn that a lack of skilled workers, an ageing workforce, and Brexit hurdles could derail government plans to build 1.5 million new homes by 2029

The UK’s ambitious target of building 1.5 million new homes by 2029 is at risk, as industry leaders have raised concerns over a severe shortage of skilled construction workers. Despite repeated promises from the government, including recent statements from Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, the construction sector is struggling to recruit the tens of thousands of workers required to meet the demand.

The Home Builders Federation (HBF) and the country’s largest housebuilder, Barratt Redrow, have highlighted key factors contributing to the workforce crisis, including skills shortages, an ageing labour force, and the lasting impacts of Brexit. According to these organisations, the current workforce of 2.67 million in the construction sector is insufficient to meet the target, which would require a consistent output of 300,000 homes per year—a significant increase from the current annual average of around 220,000.

For the UK to reach this ambitious goal, an estimated 30,000 new recruits would be needed for every 10,000 homes built, with specific shortages in various trades such as bricklaying, carpentry, and plumbing. The HBF’s calculations reveal that in the next few years, the industry will need to recruit:

• 20,000 bricklayers
• 2,400 plumbers
• 8,000 carpenters
• 3,200 plasterers
• 20,000 groundworkers
• 1,200 tilers
• 2,400 electricians
• 2,400 roofers
• 480 engineers

Despite these alarming figures, the HBF remains optimistic that the industry can deliver at the current pace. However, it insists that significant recruitment is essential to meet the proposed targets, and this can only be achieved through a fundamental overhaul of the sector’s approach to training and recruitment.

David Thomas, CEO of Barratt Redrow, echoed these concerns, bluntly stating that the UK simply does not have enough workers to meet the government’s housing target. “The short answer is no,” he said when asked if the current workforce could handle the additional homes. He suggested that for the target to be met, there would need to be a “revolution” in planning, production methods, and recruitment strategies. “This is a national crisis,” Thomas added.

The HBF further stressed that the shortage of workers is compounded by systemic recruitment barriers. There is a notable lack of young people entering the trade, largely due to poor perceptions of construction careers and inadequate training opportunities within schools. Additionally, there is a scarcity of apprenticeships, and the cost of employing apprentices has deterred many businesses from investing in new talent.

The ageing workforce also poses a significant problem. The HBF estimates that a quarter of the construction industry’s workers are over the age of 50, a demographic that is gradually retiring, exacerbating the skills gap.

FINANCIAL TIMES

The UK faces a significant challenge in meeting its construction workforce needs, especially in the context of its ambition to “get Britain building” as part of efforts to tackle the housing crisis and boost infrastructure. The construction industry is grappling with skill shortages, which have been exacerbated by Brexit, the COVID-19 pandemic, and an ageing workforce.

While the UK has a strong tradition of skilled tradespeople, there are now concerns about a lack of young workers entering the sector. According to industry reports, construction faces a shortfall of workers in critical areas such as carpentry, bricklaying, and plumbing. Many workers who entered the industry during periods of rapid growth are now nearing retirement, and there has not been a sufficient influx of younger workers to replace them.

Moreover, the post-Brexit immigration policies have made it harder for foreign workers, particularly from the EU, to fill gaps in the workforce. This is particularly noticeable in regions where the industry heavily relied on EU nationals in previous years.

To address these shortages, the government has launched initiatives to encourage apprenticeships and training programs, but experts argue that these efforts may take years to have a meaningful impact. Whether the UK can achieve its ambitious construction goals will depend on its ability to quickly upskill existing workers, attract young talent, and potentially reconsider immigration policies to fill gaps in the workforce.

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Britain’s ambitious plan to boost economic growth through increased construction faces significant challenges due to widespread worker shortages in the sector. The UK’s construction industry is struggling with a lack of skilled workers, particularly in critical areas such as bricklaying, carpentry, and plumbing, making it difficult to meet the demand for new housing and infrastructure projects.

Several factors have contributed to this shortage. Brexit has reduced the influx of skilled EU workers, who previously filled many of these roles. Additionally, the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted training and apprenticeships, further exacerbating the skills gap. Many workers in the industry are also aging, and there is a lack of younger workers entering the sector.

The government has introduced initiatives to address these issues, such as apprenticeship schemes and training programs. However, experts warn that these measures may take years to yield significant results, while the demand for construction workers continues to rise.

As the UK aims to “build for growth” by increasing housing supply and improving infrastructure, there are concerns that these workforce shortages could undermine progress. The government may need to consider more immediate solutions, such as relaxing immigration rules to allow more skilled workers to enter the country or investing more heavily in training and upskilling the domestic workforce to meet the growing demand. Without a reliable workforce, Britain’s construction ambitions may face considerable delays.