The latest survey of the UK Construction Market by the Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) shows that there’s a skills shortage that’s affecting growth and wages.The latest survey of the UK Construction Market by the Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) shows that there’s a skills shortage that’s affecting growth and wages.

The shortage pushed industry wages up by more than 6% in 2015. The biggest barrier to growth in the UK construction sector is reported to be skills shortages, which are driving up wages in the sector far above the national average. In turn, this could also jeopardise some of the government’s biggest housing and infrastructure programmes.

The UK Construction Market Survey shows that 61% of construction professionals have seen sharp wage rises in the sector. The 6% earnings risen over the year to October showed a marked increase on the average UK wage rise of under 2% over the same period.

Over 66% of construction professionals reported labour shortages. Bricklayers and quantity surveyors are reported to be in very short supply, with 62% and 60% of survey respondents respectively having difficulty finding these workers.

RICS concludes that the construction skills crisis is slowing growth in a sector that is vital to UK plc. The Government needs to address the problem urgently, otherwise some of its key housing and infrastructure programmes could face crippling delays and spiralling costs.

A new skills strategy is needed that will enable industry, unions, and educators to come together to deliver workable solutions. Apprenticeships in isolation will not be enough. Ministers must link education, future careers and skills. Employers also need to take responsibility for improving skill levels, providing more vocational work pathways, and engaging with schools and colleges.

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Original article can be found here.