18-08-2007
Contractors face skills shortage
Four in ten building contractors have to turn work away because of a lack of skilled labour, according to new research by the National Specialist Contractors Council.
Despite a rise in the demand, contractors are finding it hard to meet the cost of hiring the available skilled workers due to a lack of cash flow. They claim that late payment from clients is leaving them short when it comes to paying for labour.
Over 50% of respondents in the research reported an increase in the availability of new work, and the number of firms whose orders have increased is up in quarter 2. However building contractors are finding it hard to meet the demand.
Suzannah Nichol, NSCC chief executive, said: "Lengthy payment terms and skill shortages are linked. Specialist contractors find it extremely difficult to invest in the training of their workforce that is necessary to fulfil the needs of the industry when they are constantly battling to get the money they are owed."
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