Skip to content

Ask an Academic

  • Home
  • Ask a Question
  • Contact Us
High rise building construction

Skill Base in the UK Construction Industry

September 25, 2019 by AskanAcademic.com

This answer explores the causes of the lack of skilled labour in the UK and the possible solutions to the problem.

Question

Why does the construction industry struggle to maintain sufficient skill base in the UK and why does this matter?

Answer

Workloads in the construction industry are cyclical and susceptible to fluctuations in the economy, as evident by the fact that the industry employs over 324,000 fewer workers than in 2008, when it experienced a severe downturn in workloads and productivity. It is suggested that uncertainty regarding future employment combined with the often harsh working conditions, long hours and the dynamic, stressful nature of the work are key barriers to attracting skilled workers to the sector (Neal 2016). As a result, the industry has over time become more reliant on migrant works at all skill levels, with an estimated 10-12% of the current 2.1 million workforce coming from outside the UK (Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB), 2015). It is argued that the uncertainties surrounding Brexit could exacerbate the skills gap as uncertainty regarding working rights and permits could deter these workers from entering the UK market (Neal 2016).

The shortage of skilled workers is a major problem for the construction industry and the economy, given that the construction industry is responsible for providing housing, services and infrastructure which support the social and commercial fabric of British society. In addition, the skills gap could increase wages in the industry which could increase the costs of construction at a time when the UK Government is trying to streamline the industry (Neal 2016; HM Government 2013). The solution is to address the issue at secondary education level, encouraging young people into the industry and at the same time retain what Whitelaw (2016) terms the older workers who have the skills and experience to fill the shortage of middle managers in design and construction roles.

References

Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB), 2015. CIOB Perspectives: An analysis on migration in the construction sector. Bracknell: CIOB.

Neal, M., 2016. The Guardian “Millennials are the key to construction’s skills shortage, we need to engage them”. [online]. Available at < https://www.theguardian.com/lendlease-redesigning-cities-zone/2016/jul/26/millennials-are-the-key-to-constructions-skills-shortage-we-need-to-engage-them > [accessed 12th October 2016].

Whitelaw, J., 11th October 2016 New Civil Engineer “Tackling ageism is key to skills shortage” [online]. Available at < https://www.newcivilengineer.com/engineering-equality/tackling-ageism-is-key-to-skills-shortage/10012636.article > [accessed 12th October 2016].

Post navigation

Previous Post:

What are treatments of goodwill in financial statements?

Next Post:

Discuss the importance of foreign exchange management for the survival and viability of a treasury function in the banking sector.

Search Q&As

Categories

  • Art Media and Literature (74)
  • Business and Management (256)
  • Computing and ICT (14)
  • Construction and Engineering (35)
  • Education (90)
  • Environmental Sciences (2)
  • Finance and Economics (91)
  • Health (64)
  • Languages (12)
  • Law (88)
  • Mathematics and Statistics (2)
  • Medical Sciences (19)
  • Politics and International Relations (83)
  • Research Methodology (1)
  • Science (49)
  • Social Sciences (101)

Archives

Who We Are

Askanacademic.com is owned and operated by All Answers Ltd, a company registered in England and Wales. Company Registration No: 4964706. VAT Registration No: 842417633. Data Controller No: Z1821391.

Registered office:
Venture House
Cross Street
Arnold
Nottingham
NG5 7PJ

Main Navigation

  • Home
  • Ask a Question
  • Contact Us

Legals

  • Cookie Policy
  • Privacy Policy

Popular Categories

  • Business and Management
  • Law
  • Finance and Economics
  • Health
An an Academic Logo
© 2023 Ask an Academic | WordPress Theme by Superb Themes
This website uses cookies to improve your experience. We'll assume you're ok with this, but you can opt-out if you wish. Accept Reject
Read More
Privacy & Cookies Policy

Privacy Overview

This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience.
Necessary
Always Enabled
Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. These cookies do not store any personal information.
Non-necessary
Any cookies that may not be particularly necessary for the website to function and is used specifically to collect user personal data via analytics, ads, other embedded contents are termed as non-necessary cookies. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website.
SAVE & ACCEPT