UK government in Brexit U-turn to tackle industry shortage crisis
The UK government plans to address the chronic post-Brexit labour shortage in the construction industry by welcoming more foreign builders, according to reports.
Despite previous efforts to crack down on illegal immigration routes, the government is expected to add construction workers to the “shortage occupation list” in order to boost sluggish housebuilding.
Many European labourers returned to the EU after Brexit, leading to a shortage of workers in the building sector.
The Migration Advisory Committee has recommended adding bricklayers, plasterers, roofers and others to the shortage list, and the home secretary is expected to accept the proposal.
The shortage occupation list allows companies to get visas for staff being paid the lower threshold of £20,480 a year. The salary needed to obtain a “skilled worker” visa is £25,600.
The Federation of Master Builders has welcomed the idea of easing immigration rules, but has also called for investment in UK-based training to train the next generation of builders.
The government is also considering proposals to give over-50s tax breaks for returning to work after a career break.
The Home Builders Federation also welcomed the idea of easing immigration rules. “If we are to increase housing supply and deliver the government’s housing target it is essential we have continued access to skilled labour from abroad,” a spokesperson said.
They added: “The industry is working hard to ensure that there is sufficient depth in the home-grown workforce but in the interim, access to foreign labour is required to plug capacity gaps.”
The organisation has argued that an extra 30,000 workers are needed to build an extra 10,000 homes. Last year, the UK saw around 230,000 new homes built – meaning around 210,000 extra workers would be needed to hit a target of 300,000 new homes.