The Effects of Brexit on the Construction Industry

When Britain voted to leave the European Union last year the pound fell to its lowest since 1985, showing that the effects of Brexit were already doing damage to the economy. It’s now slowly beginning to rise again, however, some areas (such as the trade sector) are still feeling the effects.

Skills Shortages Are Worse

According to the Federation of Master Builders, research has revealed that the skills shortage in the construction industry has got worse. In fact, shortages of electricians and plasters are at their highest point in four years.

While the Chief Executive of the FMB, Brian Berry, has confirmed that there has been a shortage of bricklayers and carpenters for a considerable amount of time, it is now evident that skills shortages are now impacting other trades, such as roofers and plumbers.

The FMB’s State of Trade Survey for Q4 2016 revealed that 46% of construction SMEs are finding it difficult to hire roofers, and 41% are struggling to employ plumbers. Berry has said that the construction sector relies on the EU for skilled labour, with 12% of the British construction workforce being of non-UK Origin.

Berry said:

“The Government needs to be taking note of the worsening construction skills shortage now that we know that the UK will be negotiating a hard Brexit”.

How Will Brexit Affect Construction?

The UK relies partly on imported labour to bridge the skills gap as new trade talent completes their training. Between 2007 and 2014, the proportion of EU migrants in the construction sector increased from 3.65% to 7.03%.

Potentially, by 2021, UK construction could consist of 10.41% workers from the EU, but leaving the single market membership implies that this is less than likely. In addition to a skills crisis within the UK, the impact of Brexit could drive up construction costs because of a shortage of labour.

The Effects of Brexit Mean There Are More Opportunities for you

As one door closes, another door opens. So, while Brexit may be hitting Britain hard, there’s a range of career opportunities for you to try your hand at. If you fancy a new career, then why not enrol onto one of our online courses?

Whether you fancy becoming a bricklayer, electrician, plumber, or any other sort of tradesperson, we have a course for you.

Discover our construction courses and enrol online today. You can join the construction workforce in a time of crisis and help to get Britain back on track.