State of Trade survey for this quarter reveals that skills deficit is at its highest level since 2005

Construction labour shortages have risen to their highest level since 2005, the Federation of Master Builders (FMB) has warned in their State of Trade survey.

The report showed that of 85 firms surveyed, 53% had difficulties in hiring both employees and sub contractors for the period April to June 2007.

The figure was up 13% from the first quarter despite 40% percent reporting a higher total workload.

Bricklayers, carpenters and plasters accounted for almost all skill shortages.

Brian Berry, FMB external affairs director said: 鈥淲hat this survey reveals is that yet again our education system needs to be refocused to enable young people to have the skills which the UK is so badly lacking.鈥�

The report also revealed that as a result, delays of more than two weeks in receiving building materials had more than doubled from the first quarter to 16%.

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