Labour shortages in the
construction industry increased to record levels during the last quarter of
2002, research reveals.
The
latest Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors survey saw the the biggest rise
in reported recruitment difficulties across the construction sector between
October and December last year since the annual poll started in 1996.
It
shows that 56 per cent of surveyors reported recruitment difficulties during
the final quarter of 2002 – up from 39 per cent in quarter three.
Shortages
of bricklayers are most acute, followed by plumbers and plasterers.
Total
construction workloads also grew in the final quarter, with public housing
recording its largest quarterly increase.
Private
housing levels remained firm with commercial building rebounding slightly after
a slight dip in the previous quarter.
RICS
chief executive Louis Armstrong said the skills shortages meant it was
important that the industry highlights the opportunities offered by a career in
construction.
“In
the current climate a career in construction is looking more and more
attractive. RICS is working hard to ensure that opportunities and working
arrangements within the sector continue to improve,” he said.
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