Demand for construction talent in East Mids builds as housing development peaks

Construction professionals across East Midlands are in high demand as housing development peaks across the region.

According to the latest data from Hays, an increase in housing development due to housing shortages and a lack of affordable properties is driving a need for skilled construction workers, with acute shortages for quantity surveyors and site plant operators in particular.

Local employers are keen to have a workforce in place to support the vast projects underway including a new village in Lubbersthorpe, Leicestershire which will see 4000 houses built and is expected to create 2000 jobs.

The increase comes after the Hays UK Salary & Recruiting Trends Guide 2017 revealed nearly three-quarters of East Midlands employers said they would be adding to their workforces over the coming year, with over a quarter stating operations and technical skills are the hardest to recruit for. Those working in construction in the East Midlands saw the largest salary increase at 3.1% as demand for these skills intensifies in the region.

Emma Kwiatkowski, regional director for Hays Derby and Nottingham, said: “It’s good news for experienced construction professionals in the region, as confidence continues to grow despite the ongoing uncertainty as Brexit proceedings are formally triggered.

“There’s a variety of large, and exciting projects underway, providing a mix of residential and infrastructure works for skilled individuals to work on. As demand heightens, employers are willing to pay extra for the right skillsets, and we predict salaries will continue to rise. Those looking to move jobs and new entrants to the market can expect a prosperous outlook for their job search.”