Mind the Gap: Skills Shortage within the UK Construction Industry

The majority of the workforce in the UK Construction Industry is nearing retirement age with 22% over 50 years old and 15% over 60 years, considering the UK’s state pension age currently at 65, a substantial proportion of skilled construction workers will be lost in the next decade (Henson and Asenievich, 2014). Similarly, the rate of retirement is increasing at a disproportionate level to the UK’s population growth. Amid these constraints, the UK’s major infrastructure projects and housebuilding demand are not declining and will instead; demand a reciprocal of the decline in the active workforce. In the wake of the looming Brexit, something must be in place to reduce the effect and counter measures should have begun over a decade ago. This research adopts a Quantitative approach in analysing the effects of skills shortages in the UK Construction industry. Non-parametric statistical analyses are utilize to scrutinise the extent of the skills gap and its severity. Initiatives necessary to bridge the skills gap are proposed. The study espouses a desire for a critical debate on a holistic approach to recruitment policy and government strategy to attract new entrants in all built environment fields as well as taking necessary steps in fortifying the apprenticeships programmes. The study is expected to be of benefits to construction industry practitioners and the country as a whole in seeking avenues for improved productivity and the potential ripple effects on the UK economic growth.