CIOB calls for new government to address construction skills shortage

The sector has welcomed the new Labour Government after it won a landslide victory last night, sweeping to power after 14 years in opposition.

The Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB) called for stability and said construction has an important role in “improving social, economic and environmental outcomes in all areas of the UK”.

The institute said it is looking forward to working with the new government to fulfil the Labour Party’s manifesto pledges to build new homes, reform planning and improve home energy efficiency.

But it added that to do this, stability is necessary, as well as help to address skills shortages and an ageing workforce.

CIOB said the new housing minister should be appointed for the long term so they can build “meaningful relationships” with the sector.

Director for policy, external affairs and research Eddie Tuttle said: “A new government offers the opportunity to build new relationships with policymakers and help them understand the challenges and opportunities for the sector. 

“We look forward to working with the Labour government to help deliver on their manifesto commitments, which included building 1.5 million homes over this Parliament (2024-2029), reforming the planning system, delivering a Warm Homes Plan to upgrade the energy efficiency of five million homes, and developing a national industrial strategy to drive economic growth. 

“But to do this, we and the new government must be realistic about the challenges the construction industry faces, notably the shrinking skills base and the ageing construction workforce, with significant numbers of workers retiring and a lack of new entrants joining. 

“Our pre-election manifesto made it clear the current apprenticeship system and its funding mechanisms need reviewing as a matter of priority to ensure training is affordable and relevant.

“It must also ensure the correct incentives are in place to drive construction businesses to recruit the number of qualified professionals needed to deliver the new government’s manifesto aims.

“Without a stable pipeline of competent workers, there are significant risks to the delivery and feasibility of housing and infrastructure projects and the new government will struggle to meet its own targets along with the needs of communities up and down the country.”  

Tuttle added: “The construction sector is reliant on stability, and we urge the Labour government to ensure consistency and longevity with policymaking and its communications with industry.

“A first step is to ensure the next minister for housing holds the brief for the long term so meaningful relationships can be formed between them and experts within the sector to create policies that work for us all.

"Furthermore, given the strategic importance of the construction sector, we believe it should be recognised as such at cabinet minister level.” 

This article was originally published by Construction Management.