What national housebuilding means for construction

The UK Labour government, led by Prime Minister Keir Starmer, has set an ambitious target to build 1.5 million new homes over the next five years, averaging 300,000 homes annually. This initiative aims to address the ongoing housing crisis by increasing supply and improving affordability. 

Key components of the plan:

• Planning Reforms: the government intends to streamline the planning process by reinstating mandatory housing targets for local authorities and updating the National Planning Policy Framework. This includes hiring 300 new planners to expedite approvals and introducing "planning passports" to fast-track developments on brownfield sites. 
• Land Use Strategy: while prioritising brownfield development, the plan also involves releasing portions of lower-quality green belt land, referred to as the "grey belt," for housing projects. A golden rule has been established to ensure that at least 50% of new homes built on such land are designated as affordable housing. 
• Affordable Housing Focus: the government has pledged to deliver the largest expansion of social and affordable housing in a generation, aiming to build over 66,100 affordable homes each year, including at least 51,500 homes for social rent. 
• Collaboration with Developers: Labour has invited developers to work in partnership to achieve these housing goals, emphasising the need for collaboration between the public and private sectors.

But will the plans come to fruition?

The UK construction industry is facing a well-documented skills shortage, with demand for skilled workers consistently outpacing supply. In response, the UK government has outlined several initiatives aimed at boosting recruitment and training within the sector.

Addressing the Skills Gap

One of the key challenges for construction is an ageing workforce and a lack of new talent entering the industry. The government has recognised this issue and is working alongside industry leaders to:

• Expand apprenticeship schemes to bring in fresh talent
• Invest in T Level qualifications to provide young people with practical skills
• Support upskilling and reskilling programmes for existing workers

Incentives for Employers

To encourage businesses to hire and train more workers, the government is offering financial incentives, including:

• Apprenticeship Levy reforms to make funding more accessible
• Increased investment in Skills Bootcamps for specialist training
• New funding for green construction skills, supporting the push towards net-zero building practices

The Role of Immigration Policy

With labour shortages being a pressing issue, the government has also adjusted immigration policies, adding certain construction roles to the Shortage Occupation List. This change makes it easier for skilled workers from abroad to secure visas and work in the UK, helping to fill critical gaps.

What This Means for the Industry

For companies like Veritas Surveying Ltd, these initiatives present opportunities to bring in fresh talent and develop a more skilled workforce. By taking advantage of training programmes and funding opportunities, businesses can future-proof their workforce and help drive the industry forward. As the government continues to refine its strategy, staying informed and proactive will be key for construction firms looking to benefit from these recruitment plans.

Looking Ahead

The success of these initiatives will depend on collaboration between government, businesses, and education providers. As recruitment efforts ramp up, companies that invest in training and development will be best placed to thrive in the evolving construction landscape.

At Veritas Surveying Ltd, we remain committed to supporting industry growth and innovation.

How we can help:

Veritas Surveying Limited is a Manchester-based firm specialising in quantity surveying, construction dispute resolution, and expert witness services. Established in 2009, the company operates from its office at 9 Cromer Road, Sale, Cheshire, M33 3EN.