The UK’s housing crisis is a well-documented struggle, with demand far outstripping supply. While the government aims to build 300,000 homes annually, a critical piece of the puzzle is missing: construction workers.
Recent figures show a staggering decline in the industry’s workforce. Around 300,000 construction workers have left the field in the past five years – a number equal to the government’s annual house-building target itself. This exodus poses a significant threat to efforts to address the housing shortage.
Experts point to a confluence of factors behind the worker shortage. The industry has historically struggled with low wages and a perception of impermanence. Brexit has also impacted the availability of skilled labor from Europe.
The decline in social housing construction further exacerbates the problem. Social housing provides much-needed affordable options, but its economic viability within the current system is a hurdle.
“Making the economics and the planning system work to allow housebuilders to do social housing has other advantages too,” says Matthew Francis, policy and research director at the National Housing Federation. “[It] needs to happen if the government wants industry to invest in skills and capacity.”
The lack of a stable, long-term plan for social housing discourages investment in training and workforce development. This creates a vicious cycle, where a shrinking workforce makes it difficult to meet housing targets, further dampening investment in attracting new workers.
So, what’s the solution? Industry leaders suggest a multi-pronged approach. Measures to improve wages and working conditions can make construction careers more attractive. Additionally, government investment in training programs can create a pipeline of skilled workers.
Ultimately, a holistic approach that addresses both the economic viability of social housing and the need for a skilled workforce is crucial. Only then can the UK bridge the gap between the dream of homeownership and the harsh reality of the housing crisis.
