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Exodus of EU workers leaves UK construction industry facing shortages

Industry bodies warn projects are likely to slow this summer unless urgent steps are taken

An exodus of EU workers from the UK has left the British construction industry facing an acute shortage of labourers in some specialist trades and a looming crisis for the government’s “build back better” strategy.

Industry associations and construction companies said that unless urgent steps were taken, work on some projects might slow this summer.

The sector is already under pressure because of an ageing workforce, a shortage of key building materials such as timber and steel as well as Covid-19 restrictions, which require greater social distancing on sites.

The need to retrofit buildings to meet net zero emissions targets as well as big infrastructure projects such as the high-speed rail project HS2 are also increasing demand for workers. Since January 1, it has been harder for EU workers to enter the UK and the construction industry was one of the sectors most reliant on workers from the continent.

https://www.ft.com/content/6ddd9b7e-...2-d4fd283362da