Labour’s ambitious target of building 1.5 million new homes is under threat due to a critical shortage of skilled construction workers.
Industry experts warn that efforts to bridge the gap, including new apprenticeship schemes, are insufficient to meet demand.
The UK needs an estimated 25,000 bricklayers, 3,000 plumbers, 4,000 plasterers, 10,000 carpenters, and 3,000 electricians to reach the annual target of 300,000 homes.
The current workforce shortfall, ranging between 250,000 and 300,000, poses a significant challenge.
To address the crisis, the government has introduced Homebuilding Skills Hubs, which aim to train 5,000 apprentices annually.
However, experts argue that this initiative is a small step compared to the scale of the problem. The construction sector has suffered from years of underinvestment in skills, and training a new generation of workers will take time.
With an aging workforce where over 20% are set to retire within the next decade and a high dropout rate among apprentices, meeting the housing target appears increasingly difficult.
Some industry leaders believe that relaxing immigration rules or offering short-term work visas may be necessary to bring in skilled foreign labour.
The government, however, insists that the UK must train its own workforce and reduce reliance on overseas builders.
Collaboration with the Construction Industry Training Board (CITB) and the National House-Building Council (NHBC) is underway to expand training opportunities.
Four potential locations for Labour’s new towns have already been identified, with each set to deliver at least 10,000 homes. The government’s New Towns Taskforce is expected to present a shortlist by July.
Concerns also remain over the speed of training for new workers. While fast-track apprenticeships will cut training time in half, industry professionals warn that rushing construction projects could compromise quality and safety.
Additional challenges include planning delays and mortgage availability, both of which could slow housebuilding efforts.
Industry leaders stress the need for increased local authority planning capacity and financial support for first-time buyers.
With house prices rising and mortgage rates creating barriers to homeownership, the government faces mounting pressure to not only build more homes but also ensure they are accessible to buyers.
Addressing both the skills gap and the housing market challenges will be crucial in delivering Labour’s promise of 1.5 million new homes.
