The new Labour Prime Minister, Sir Keir Starmer MP, has made clear on the steps of Downing Street that building the homes Britain needs will be a key priority for his Government, but he will need to take urgent action to tackle the skills crisis to make them a reality, says the Federation of Master Builders (FMB).
Brian Berry, Chief Executive of the FMB, commented: “The new Prime Minister’s promise to make building affordable homes a priority will come as welcome news to builders across Britain, as well as those looking to get on to the property ladder and own their own homes. However, the construction industry is experiencing a severe shortage of skilled workers. SME building firms across the country stand ready to join the national effort to tackle the housing crisis, but Labour’s ambitions will only be deliverable by taking serious action to boost the workforce.”
Berry concluded: “While the Prime Minister’s promise to rebuild Britain with a clear reset in society, will offer hope to many, it was disappointing to see that tackling the skills crisis was absent from his opening statement of intent. It is essential that the new Government focuses on delivering sustainable long-term growth in the economy, and that will only be achievable by boosting the construction sector, with a long-term action plan for skills.”
