The UK is set to invest £600 million to train construction workers. This move aims to tackle the severe labor shortage that threatens to derail plans to build 1.5 million homes by 2029 and boost economic growth.
Minister Rachel Reeves says the government is committed to rebuilding the UK. To do this, they need to overcome obstacles to building new homes, roads, railways, and energy infrastructure. The planning system has been overhauled, but now the country faces a shortage of skilled construction workers.
Construction is a crucial part of the UK’s growth strategy, making up 6% of the GDP and supporting other sectors.
The UK’s construction labor shortage worsened after Brexit in 2016 and the COVID-19 pandemic, leading to higher unemployment rates.
The UK expects these measures to train up to 60,000 bricklayers, electricians, engineers, and carpenters by 2029.
