CLC Advocates for More Accessible Immigration Routes for Construction Workers
The Construction Leadership Council (CLC) has unveiled a detailed report pinpointing the occupations within the construction sector that are currently experiencing a shortage, accompanied by updated guidance designed to streamline construction companies' engagement with the Points Based Immigration System.
Back in February 2023, the CLC presented a substantial body of evidence to the Migration Advisory Committee (MAC) of the Government. This evidence outlined the roles in dire need of skilled workers, which could potentially be added to the Shortage Occupation List, as well as identifying additional positions suitable for the Skilled Worker immigration route.
The Movement of People Working Group of the CLC has meticulously prepared a report, outlining their well-founded recommendations, the action steps the industry is embarking on to bolster the domestic workforce, and introducing alternative strategies to address the skills shortage crisis.
Positions proposed by the CLC to be included in the Shortage Occupation List are as follows:
Bricklayers and Masons
Carpenters and Joiners
General Labourers
Ground Workers
Piling Rig Operatives
Plant Operatives
Plasterers, Dry Liners, and Ceiling Fixers
Retrofit Coordinators
Road Construction Operatives
Roofers, Roof Tilers, and Slaters
Scaffolders, Stagers, and Riggers
Steel Erectors
Thermal Insulators
Moreover, the CLC has recommended the addition of Building Safety Managers to the Skilled Worker pathway. It has also proposed other innovative solutions to facilitate the access of overseas workers, such as the implementation of a clearinghouse model and the expansion of the Youth Mobility Scheme to all European Economic Area countries. These measures aim to simplify the process for young individuals seeking work opportunities in the UK.
Mark Reynolds, Co-Chair of the CLC and Group Chairman and CEO of MACE, commented on the urgency of these measures, emphasizing the critical skill shortages currently faced by the construction industry. He highlighted the necessity of a dynamic immigration system to fill immediate workforce gaps and to support the sector's extensive project pipeline.
James M. Butcher, Director of Policy at the National Federation of Builders and the lead author of the report, remarked on the significant vacancy rates within construction, which surpass the all-industry average. The recommendations are rooted in a substantial evidence base forecasting the sector’s needs for the upcoming five years. The CLC is prepared to guide construction companies in navigating the immigration system, underscored by the launch of new CLC guidance.
The full report and the latest guide to the Points Based Immigration Scheme for construction businesses are accessible on the CLC's website
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