Civils contractors have said that the recruitment of skilled workers is a major factor inhibiting their ability to deliver projects, with dissatisfaction with the supply of skilled staff in England is at record levels.
Analysis of data from the Civil Engineering Contractors Association (CECA)’s quarterly Workload Trends Survey, which dates back to 2005, shows that in this time it has never been harder for civils contractors to recruit skilled staff in England.
The future supply of skilled operatives was the largest concern for firms in all parts of the UK.
Commenting, CECA Director of External Affairs Marie-Claude Hemming said: “There are now serious concerns as to the ability to attract skilled staff to cope with a growing market.
“There is a substantial pipeline of work to be delivered in the coming years. Industry and Government need to work together through the Construction Sector Deal to respond to these challenges.”
Further findings from the survey included:
- CECA members reported a marginal increase in work in 2018 Q3, with 10 per cent of British firms, on balance, reporting increased workloads, compared to 6 per cent in the previous quarter.
- This growth in workloads is partially offset by poor results from Scotland, where workloads fell for a fourth successive quarter.
- Costs rose according to 89 per cent of British firms on balance, the highest in nearly three years.
< ENDS >