More Builders needed

A survey by the Federation of Master Builders (FMB) has found that 66% of its members have had to turn down work because they do not have enough skilled tradesmen, while almost half have been forced to outsource work. David Ritchie, chief executive of Bovis Homes, said the skills deficit was pushing up the price of hiring tradesmen, while Jeff Fairburn of Persimmon said rapid growth in the industry had caused a “squeeze in terms of resources”.

Employers say that young people are being put off construction work because they believe the industry is low paid, however, according to the FMB, a 23-year-old bricklayer with five years experience can earn £31k, whilst in London,  a similarly qualified brickie could be paid up to £52,000, making the trade an attractive option for many.