The Association for Project Safety has launched its Micro Manifesto ahead of the UK General Election, identifying developing skilled construction workers as a major priority for the next government
APS has created five key asks, detailed in its Micro Manifesto, which aim to reset the construction industry’s safety relationship with the government.
The organisation wants to build a partnership with the next government that will empower the construction industry to tackle challenging areas, such as the shortage of skilled workers.
The five asks identified are explored below.
1. Development of skilled construction workers
Currently, there is a significant shortage of skilled workers to meet the housing targets set in all the main party manifestos. This shortage is particularly evident in both the Tory and Labour pledges.
A skilled workforce is needed to safely construct the 1.5+ million homes required over the next five years.
To overcome this issue, the APS suggests investment in comprehensive training programmes and real, meaningful apprenticeships to build a skilled workforce.
Funds should also be allocated to training centres and educational institutions alongside enforceable output targets.
2. Planned and selective immigration policy
APS members have found that the current domestic workforce is insufficient to meet critical housing targets in the short term.
Therefore, a planned and selective immigration policy should be used to attract skilled construction workers from abroad.
Similar to the Australian model, this would be a short-term tactic for five years.
The APS also suggests that skilled immigrants with proven experience in the construction sector should have their visas fast-tracked in a new process.
3. Long-term construction workforce development
Many UK training programmes are insufficient to meet the demand for skilled construction workers.
Apprentice programmes need to be enhanced and expanded to ensure a steady pipeline of skilled workers for future projects.
According to the APS, the government should partner with industry leaders and educational institutions to design effective programmes relevant to modern methods of construction.
4. Environmental protection in planning
Another issue identified by the APS is the proposed fast-track planning on brownfield sites alongside the abandonment of nutrient neutrality.
To reduce environmental risks, all construction projects must adhere to strict environmental protection standards to prevent pollutants from entering the environment.
Rigorous environmental impact assessments for all new construction projects should be implemented. Some local authorities have already done this, but with government backing, it can be done on a much larger scale.
5. Retrofitting existing buildings
The focus on new builds overlooks the potential of retrofitting to meet modern housing needs.
To put retrofitting at the forefront, a realistic retrofit programme must be developed to improve the energy efficiency of existing buildings.
The APS asks that the government allocate funding to incentives for homeowners and businesses to retrofit their properties.
The new government should develop skilled construction workers
APS encourages the upcoming UK Government to focus on cultivating a skilled workforce by enhancing domestic training programmes and implementing selective immigration (visa) incentives.
It is essential to balance the drive for new housing with environmental protections and retrofitting efforts to ensure sustainable growth.
