Demand is up but talent is in short supply

LONDON - Oct. 24, 2014 - PRLog -- As the Construction industry output continues to increase the search for skilled workers intensifies. Latest statistics by the Federation of Master Builders shows that 41% of their members are having difficulty in recruiting skilled labour. In the last quarter Carpenters / Joiners, Plumbers and Plasterers have joined the Construction Most Wanted list.

The number of construction vacancies advertised outstrips most other industries but experience proves that finding suitable candidates to fill these positions is a challenge. This challenge is felt by all across the industry.

Over the past 10 months, Maple Resourcing has seen placements to the Construction sector grow each quarter. A survey conducted by Maple Resourcing found:

68.75% companies are actively looking to hire more staff.

81.25% of companies surveyed are struggling to hire skilled labour.

Analysis of their own figures show that placements of Carpenters has increased 60% from Q2 to Q3. Likewise, placements of Electricians has increased a staggering 120% from Q2 to Q3. The demand is so high for these skills that Carpenters are able to charge up to £200 per shift and Electricians are able to charge an hourly rate starting from £20.

Stefan Morris, Trades Manager said "2014 has seen a distinct change in the blue collar Construction recruitment market place. The price led competitiveness which had been such a feature of blue collar recruitment since the recession first hit has been replaced by supply capability as the key driver for recruitment sales.

As construction growth has really taken hold, demand for most trades has far outstripped the markets ability to supply it. This has led to real challenges for recruiters and their clients who have often priced the work many months or even years in advance and set charge rates accordingly. This has left many contractors struggling to meet wage increases demanded by trades.

For the first time wages for many temporary construction workers are now in excess of their 2007/08 levels and if the industry can continue to grow it may be a while before supply catches up, so wage increases could be a trend for a while yet."