The Scottish Government is unwise to overlook construction in its ‘Programme for Scotland’ given its economic and strategic importance, according to FMB Scotland.
Responding to the Government’s ‘Programme for Scotland’, published today, Gordon Nelson, FMB Scotland Director said “The construction industry is notable by its absence in the Government’s programme for Scotland. The appointment of a new Strategic Board to focus Scotland’s enterprise and skills agencies on supporting the growth of key sectors is welcome but construction seems to have been overlooked. As the second largest industry in Scotland, comprising of more than 48,000 firms and employing 180,000 people, the construction industry is vital to the health of the wider Scottish economy. Indeed, the industry generated a total output of £14.5 billion in 2016.”
Nelson continued: “However, the construction sector’s workforce is ageing. Figures from the Office for National Statistics indicate that over the next decade, close to 20% of the industry’s workforce will retire. Without enough skilled workers, Scotland will struggle to build and refurbish the homes, schools, hospitals and transport infrastructure that Scotland requires to flourish. I am calling on the Scottish Government to reconsider its approach and identify the construction industry as a key sector. We want to work with the new Strategic Board, and the relevant enterprise and skills agencies, to ensure that we are recruiting and developing the skills base that Scotland demands.”
Nelson concluded: “We look forward to seeing more detail on the new National Investment Bank and how it might help small firms grow and prosper. 98% of the construction industry’s employers are small or micro businesses; with many struggling to access the right type of finance. It would be welcome if the National Investment Bank were to step in where the major banks have not been able to provide a solution.”
Notes to editors
The Federation of Master Builders (FMB) is the largest trade association in the UK construction industry representing thousands of firms in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. Established in 1941 to protect the interests of small and medium-sized (SME) construction firms, the FMB is independent and non-profit making, lobbying for members’ interests at both the national and local level.
The FMB is a source of knowledge, professional advice and support for its members, providing a range of modern and relevant business building services to help them succeed. The FMB is committed to raising quality in the construction industry and offers a free Find a Builder service to consumers.
