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# Half of UK Builders Delay Jobs Due to Skilled Staff Shortages
- URL: https://www.industrialbriefs.com/half-of-uk-builders-delay-jobs-due-to-skilled-staff-shortages/
- Published: 2026-04-02T07:30:43.000Z
- Updated: 2026-06-06T01:03:55.000Z
- Description: Skilled labor shortages delay nearly half of UK builder projects, impacting timelines and expansion plans, with carpenters and bricklayers most affected.
- Author: IndustrialBriefs
- Tags: construction

The Federation of Master Builders (FMB) and Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB) survey found 72% of small and medium UK builders face skilled labor shortages in late 2025\. Nearly half (49%) reported delayed job starts, while 30% paused expansion plans and 22% canceled projects. Carpenters (30%), bricklayers (29%), and plumbers/HVAC specialists (23%) are the hardest to recruit. Builders also struggle to find workers with heritage skills (58%), new technology expertise (58%), sustainable building knowledge (57%), and planning reform awareness (56%). Workloads and employment inquiries rose, with a net positive workload balance of 22%.