The UK construction industry is facing mounting challenges as labour and skills shortages increasingly impact operations, with workers raising concerns about their personal growth and the sector’s future.
Widespread Concern Among Workers
A recent survey conducted by YouGov and commissioned by Safety Culture reveals that 74% of UK construction workers believe these shortages pose critical issues to the industry. With demand for labour rising and supply tightening, 33% of respondents report that the impacts are already being felt.
The study highlights that these shortages are more than an operational hurdle—they are affecting individuals’ career trajectories. Over two-in-five workers (42%) feel that the current skills gap is stalling their personal growth and professional development.
A Bleak Outlook for the Industry
Looking ahead, many workers predict the situation will worsen, with 69% fearing a future “brain drain” as experienced professionals leave the industry. This anticipated loss of skilled labour could further exacerbate the challenges facing construction firms in the years to come.
Calls for Change: Knowledge Sharing and Technology
Construction workers point to specific areas where improvement could alleviate some of the strain. Over half (52%) say that better knowledge sharing within their companies could enhance both their performance and ability to develop new skills.
Inefficient and outdated IT systems are another source of frustration. Workers estimate that these inefficiencies cost them more than five hours of productivity each month, which, when scaled to the entire industry, could amount to £1.34 billion annually in lost productivity.
Industry Insights
Alex Brooks-Sykes, Safety Culture’s UK & Ireland lead, underscores the urgency of addressing these challenges.
“Frontline employees are shouldering the burden of significant industry shifts, from an ageing workforce to a shrinking skills pipeline. But there are actionable steps companies can take—updating tools and IT systems, improving efficiency, and prioritizing training can all help ease the pressure on skills and resources.”
What This Means for Construction Firms
For contractors and companies, addressing labour and skills shortages is no longer optional—it’s a necessity. Investing in digital tools, streamlined processes, and training programs could not only improve efficiency but also foster retention and upskilling within the workforce.
In a sector already facing rising costs and fluctuating demand, the ability to adapt and innovate will be key. Firms that take proactive steps to address these challenges today will be better positioned to weather the future pressures of the UK construction industry.
