A new report has highlighted the urgent need for more workers in England’s construction sector if the UK is to deliver on its ambitious infrastructure and housing commitments over the coming decade.
According to the inaugural Skills England Annual Skills Report 2026, the construction industry will need to recruit nearly one million workers over the next ten years to meet growing demand and replace those leaving the workforce.
The report forecasts a significant rise in labour demand, estimating that by 2035 the 30 most critical construction occupations will require an additional 493,000 workers—representing a 26% increase compared to current workforce levels.
At the same time, the sector is expected to lose approximately 595,000 workers due to retirement, career changes, and other planned and unplanned departures between now and 2035. This combination of rising demand and workforce attrition presents a major challenge for the industry.
The report also warns that construction will face increasing competition from other sectors, particularly engineering, making it more difficult to attract and retain skilled professionals. As a result, employers, training providers, and policymakers will need to work together to ensure a steady pipeline of talent entering the industry.
Commenting on the findings, Skills Minister Baroness Jacqui Smith said the report “highlights the importance of making sure our workforce has the skills it needs today, while preparing for the demands of tomorrow.”
She added that greater engagement with employers, alongside reforms to apprenticeships and the wider skills system, will help people build long-term, rewarding careers while supporting economic growth across the country.
Investing in the Future Workforce
The findings present both a challenge and an opportunity. With major infrastructure projects, housing developments, and regeneration programmes planned across the UK, the construction sector offers significant career prospects for people of all ages and backgrounds.
At Madiba Services UK Ltd, we are committed to playing our part in addressing current and future skills shortages. We actively encourage local people to consider careers in construction and support initiatives that provide training, development, and long-term employment opportunities within the industry.
By investing in people today, we can help build the skilled workforce needed to deliver the projects that will shape tomorrow’s communities and economy.
