Construction industry could lose 8% of its workforce post-Brexit

According to the RICS, the UK construction industry could lose 8% of its workforce post-Brexit. This is due to the fact that around 8% of the industry is made up of EU nationals. 30% of construction professionals have revealed that the hiring of non-UK workers is vital to the growth of their business.

In terms of the UK’s visa application process, construction professionals have not yet been added to the ‘UK Shortage Occupations List’ which is surprising when you consider the importance of the industry. What’s even more shocking is that professions such as ballet dancers are already on the list- although this job is undoubtedly an important part of the UK’s culture, the construction industry provides a much greater contribution to the country’s economy.

The RICS say “These figures reveal that the UK construction industry is currently dependent on thousands of EU workers. It is in all our interests that we make a success of Brexit, but a loss of access to the single market, has the potential to slowly bring the UK’s £500 billion infrastructure pipeline to a standstill. That means that unless access to the single market is secured or alternative plans are put in place, we won’t be able to create the infrastructure needed to enable our cities to compete on a global stage. We have said before that this is a potential stumbling block for the Government.”

The UK is already in a crisis regarding the construction industry due to its skills shortage, and losing workers will only add to this ever growing problem.