The Institute for Government has recommended that Angela Rayner, the Housing Secretary, should loosen immigration regulations to attract skilled migrants and address the UK’s construction labour shortage.
This call comes amidst ambitious government housebuilding targets and a significant shortfall of construction workers, presenting a dual challenge in delivery and political acceptance.
The Institute for Government (IfG) has suggested that relaxing immigration policies could help meet the most ambitious housing targets since the 1960s. By adopting visa models similar to those used for seasonal agricultural workers, the government could attract the necessary skilled labour for the construction industry.
The housing sector’s reliance on subcontractors, who often collapse during market downturns, has worsened labour shortages. This instability has made it difficult for major housebuilders to scale up rapidly enough to meet government targets.
However, despite these measures, labour shortages remain a critical issue. The IfG report suggests that easing visa rules further could provide a short-term solution, proposing a system where construction workers could be sponsored similarly to seasonal agricultural workers.
Maintaining consistent leadership is also crucial. The IfG recommends that the Government keeps the same housing secretary in place throughout this Parliament to ensure consistency and stability in addressing the housebuilding challenge.
The IfG’s report calls for further action beyond the current measures. This includes developing a comprehensive strategy for construction skills and easing visa regulations to attract and retain skilled migrants efficiently.
The IfG’s recommendations provide a roadmap for overcoming the dual challenges of labour shortages and political resistance. Consistent leadership and proactive policy measures will be key to achieving these goals.
The Institute for Government’s call to loosen immigration rules is a critical step towards addressing the UK’s construction labour shortage.
Implementing these recommendations could significantly aid in meeting ambitious housebuilding targets, ensuring a robust and sustainable future for the construction industry.
