Scottish construction industry hit by skills shortage

Almost two-thirds of respondents to a survey by the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) have said they have experienced difficulty sourcing labour with biggest shortfalls being felt in finding bricklayers.

RICS has said that the skills shortage is now close to reaching “crisis point”.

However, the RICS construction market survey shows that the number of respondents reporting increased workloads over the last quarter is around 30%.

65% predicted growth in the construction sector over the coming 12 months.

RICS, though, have warned that growth in the construction industry would only be sustainable if the skills shortage is tackled.

Sarah Speirs, director of RICS Scotland, said: “The availability of both blue collar and white collar construction workers is reaching crisis point. Without the relevant skills, we will not be able to grow many of the Scottish Government’s priority construction sectors such as infrastructure.

“Currently, while we know that there is a serious shortage of skills, we don’t yet know why we have seen such a dramatic drop in the labour market over the past five years.

“Part of the problem is the legacy of the collapse in the sector following the onset of the global financial crisis.

“Many professionals and other skilled workers chose to leave the industry and quite simply have not returned or been replaced.

“A real focus on attracting more young people into the industry is critical alongside an expansion of apprenticeship opportunities.”

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