The Construction Leadership Council has published its report of shortage occupations in construction and its updated guidance to help construction businesses access the Points Based Immigration System.

In February 2023, the CLC submitted stakeholder evidence to the Migration Advisory Committee (MAC), detailing shortage occupations that could be considered for inclusion on the Shortage Occupation List of the UK’s Points Based Immigration System, as well as potential roles to be added to the Skilled Worker route.

The CLC’s Movement of People Working Group compiled a comprehensive report, detailing its recommendations, an evidence base, the actions industry is taking to increase the domestic workforce as well as other ideas to help tackle skills shortages.

The CLC recommended the following occupations for inclusion on the Shortage Occupation List:

  • Plasterers, Dry Liners and Ceiling Fixers
  • Carpenters and Joiners
  • General Labourers
  • Bricklayers and Masons
  • Ground Workers
  • Piling Rig Operatives
  • Plant Operatives
  • Retrofit Co-ordinators
  • Road Construction Operatives
  • Roofers, Roof Tilers and Slaters
  • Scaffolders, Stagers and Riggers
  • Steel Erectors
  • Thermal Insulators

The MAC is expected to report on construction shortages in due course.

Commenting, Co-Chair of the CLC and Group Chairman and CEO of MACE, Mark Reynolds said:
“The CLC is committed to building our domestic construction workforce and championing construction as one of the best career choices for new entrants but the fact is we are still currently facing chronic shortages. A dynamic immigration system allows us to bridge gaps in workforce need and meet the people requirement for the sector’s pipeline of work. That’s why we are calling for the inclusion of these occupations in the shortage occupation list, to help make it a little easier to access the right people, at the right time’.

FIS CEO, Iain McIlwee added:
“Data from our recent Skills Pulse Survey underpins that 40% of businesses are still experiencing shortages in skilled labour and this is likely to worsen as volumes pick up constraining potential growth.  The training sector is rapidly scaling up, but doesn’t provide a quick fix.  We are grateful to colleagues from across the construction sector for pulling together and pooling our resources to help make this detailed submission to Government and the MAC and focussing on how we can add a bit of flexibility to the system”.

Access the full report here.

Access the CLC’s revised 2023 Immigration Guidance ‘Movement of People – What you should know’ here.