Construction work to increase but skills to drop, claims report - 12-05-2008 - 10:51

A shortage of skills among staff in construction jobs could worsen as demand for industry work increases, it has been claimed.

People possessing crafts, trades, senior and middle management skills are highly sought after in the construction industry but migrant workers are mainly filling manual occupations, according to the latest Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB) skills survey.

Of the 1,200 construction managers and directors surveyed by the CIOB, nine out of ten respondents believe the industry is suffering a skills shortage and over 80 per cent feel recruiting senior and middle management is difficult.

Michael Brown, deputy chief executive of the CIOB, said the research found construction demand is set to increase this year despite the credit crunch and will be coupled with a "worsening supply of senior and middle management".

He added: "The shortage of professionals and managers within the industry is reflected in many parts of the world."

The CIOB research contradicts a trade survey report compiled by the Construction Products Association and the Construction Confederation which stated mainstream construction continues to face a slowdown and long-term prospects appear uncertain.

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