Mon, 8 Dec 2008
Projections reduced but industry experts say demand may increase again.
The Construction Skills Network (CSN) has reduced its projection for the number of new recruits the UK's building and infrastructure industry will need between 2009 and 2013, according to reports.
Contract Journal stated that in February the organisation had predicted that construction would need 88,000 new workers a year over the forecast period.
It has now revised that figure down to 42,000 a year - 184,000 fewer annual recruits than originally predicted.
However, some industry figures believe demand from construction firms could rise again as areas where growth is currently low - such as house building - could experience escalating demand during the four years covered by the CSN's report.
Roger Humber, a strategic policy adviser at the House Builders' Association, told the site: "What is important is not to say we don't need these people - if we have work before 2013 then it is going to be a big challenge to complete it."
CSN is a ConstructionSkills-coordinated body that collates information from employers, sector skills councils, training providers and customers in order to determine the demand for skills in the construction industry.
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