The forecast predicts an average annual growth of 2.4% until 2028. Credit: Gorodenkoff via Shutterstock.

The Construction Industry Training Board’s (CITB) latest Construction Skills Network (CSN) 2024-28 report has recorded a workforce gap in the UK’s construction sector.  

The report indicates a 2% rise in the UK’s construction output in 2023 and an expected average annual growth of 2.4% until 2028. 

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Meeting this growth is noted to require more than 251,500 additional construction workers in the next five years, with construction sector employment expected to reach 2.75 million by 2028. 

The report identifies private housing, infrastructure, and repair and maintenance as key areas for growth.  

However, the recruitment of approximately 200,000 new workers annually is said to be overshadowed by the loss of more than 210,000.  

A total of 31% of construction employers cited finding skilled staff as a challenge, in addition to the retirement of older workers without adequate replacements, according to the report. 

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The CITB’s forecast highlights the need for the domestic construction industry to address recruitment and training issues.  

The organisation emphasises the importance of preparing for future demands, including productivity enhancements and achieving net-zero retrofit targets.  

CITB CEO Tim Balcon said: “The UK construction industry will continue to grow, but needs more people in the workforce with the right skills.

“There has always been a demand for workers, and CITB’s CSN report drives home how many are leaving the sector compared to those joining, and the opportunities for employers to address this challenge by recruiting and developing a skilled, competent, and diverse workforce that is able to meet current and future needs.”