Half of UK Builders Delay Jobs Due to Skilled Staff Shortages

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%.

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