'Material and skills shortages holding back construction activity'

Current labour and material shortages are holding back construction activity at a time when it is needed most to turbo charge the UK economy, says the Federation of Master Builders (FMB) in response to UK Construction PMI data released today.

Brian Berry, Chief Executive of the FMB said: “It’s good to see that the construction industry has picked up steam following a slight low after the summer rush for building work following pandemic restrictions being lifted across the UK. What is concerning is the continued skills and material shortages hindering growth in the industry. The UK Construction PMI data results show customer demand for building work is there but contracts are not being signed because supply shortages and spiralling costs are stalling negotiations. From the FMB’s latest State of Trade Survey Q3 we know 89% of small, local builders have had to press pause on jobs and 97% have experienced increased material costs. The Government needs to make good on its Budget promise to boost skills training to get more apprentices into the construction industry and ensure supply chains remain resilient so goods can move easily from ports to sites”