Menu
05/08/2011
UCATT Calls For Radical Overhaul Of Apprentice Policy
Construction union UCATT are calling on the Government to radically alter its apprenticeship policy, following the publication of figures that show the number of young workers in the construction industry has more than halved since the recession in 2008.
The latest figures compiled by CITB-Construction Skills reveal that since the economic downturn began in 2008, the number of 16-19 year olds working in the construction industry has plummeted from 119,330 in 2008 to just 56,781 in 2010. The number of 20-24 year olds has also significantly dropped from 250, 929 in 2008 to 213,634 in 2010.
During the same period the total number of people working in the industry declined by 235,000. However, the number of workers who were 60 or over was virtually unchanged, going from 196,993 in 2008 to 193,172 in 2010.
George Guy, Acting General Secretary of UCATT, said: "These are devastating figures for the construction industry. Construction is a hard physical profession and most workers are forced to retire before they reach 65. Unless new young workers are recruited and properly trained, then the industry will suffer severe skills shortages, productivity will be affected and future growth will be reduced."
UCATT has also learnt that despite the Government apparently championing apprenticeships by claiming to want to create 250,000 apprentice places, their own policies are undermining these targets. The Home and Communities Agency has recently dropped its national target for the number of apprentices employed on publicly funded social housing developments. Grant Shapps, the Housing Minister justified this decision, as "delivery is best optimised by reducing bureaucratic burdens and top-down targets to free up local partners".
This policy is in stark contrast to the previous Labour Government who had begun to introduce policies that made it compulsory for all construction companies employed in building new council housing and in some other Government funded construction projects to train apprentices. Companies, which did not train apprentices, were excluded from such work. Whilst utilising this policy in 2010/11 the HCA created or safeguarded 2,700 apprentice places.
Despite growth in construction remaining weak it is still estimated that the industry requires 30,000 new entrants every year, to replace workers who leave the industry. Prior to the recession that figure was 75,000. Latest figures indicate that the industry is currently training just 19,000 apprentices.
(CD)
The latest figures compiled by CITB-Construction Skills reveal that since the economic downturn began in 2008, the number of 16-19 year olds working in the construction industry has plummeted from 119,330 in 2008 to just 56,781 in 2010. The number of 20-24 year olds has also significantly dropped from 250, 929 in 2008 to 213,634 in 2010.
During the same period the total number of people working in the industry declined by 235,000. However, the number of workers who were 60 or over was virtually unchanged, going from 196,993 in 2008 to 193,172 in 2010.
George Guy, Acting General Secretary of UCATT, said: "These are devastating figures for the construction industry. Construction is a hard physical profession and most workers are forced to retire before they reach 65. Unless new young workers are recruited and properly trained, then the industry will suffer severe skills shortages, productivity will be affected and future growth will be reduced."
UCATT has also learnt that despite the Government apparently championing apprenticeships by claiming to want to create 250,000 apprentice places, their own policies are undermining these targets. The Home and Communities Agency has recently dropped its national target for the number of apprentices employed on publicly funded social housing developments. Grant Shapps, the Housing Minister justified this decision, as "delivery is best optimised by reducing bureaucratic burdens and top-down targets to free up local partners".
This policy is in stark contrast to the previous Labour Government who had begun to introduce policies that made it compulsory for all construction companies employed in building new council housing and in some other Government funded construction projects to train apprentices. Companies, which did not train apprentices, were excluded from such work. Whilst utilising this policy in 2010/11 the HCA created or safeguarded 2,700 apprentice places.
Despite growth in construction remaining weak it is still estimated that the industry requires 30,000 new entrants every year, to replace workers who leave the industry. Prior to the recession that figure was 75,000. Latest figures indicate that the industry is currently training just 19,000 apprentices.
(CD)
Related Northern Ireland Recruitment News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
06 October 2011
€35m Could Help Ex Construction Workers
The European Commission has announced proposals that if passed, will make significant funds available to help unemployed construction workers across Ireland back into work. The plan will see Ireland receive €35m from the European Globalisation Adjustment Fund (EGF) to help 5,987 redundant construction workers across Ireland.
€35m Could Help Ex Construction Workers
The European Commission has announced proposals that if passed, will make significant funds available to help unemployed construction workers across Ireland back into work. The plan will see Ireland receive €35m from the European Globalisation Adjustment Fund (EGF) to help 5,987 redundant construction workers across Ireland.
19 August 2016
Latest Unemployment Figures 'Disappointing' - SF
Sinn Féin have said that they are "disappointed" at the latest unemployment figures for July from the Central Statistics Office (CSO).
Latest Unemployment Figures 'Disappointing' - SF
Sinn Féin have said that they are "disappointed" at the latest unemployment figures for July from the Central Statistics Office (CSO).
28 August 2008
Ireland's Largest Construction Firm Lays Off 300
The Sisk Group, the larget construction firm in Ireland has laid off more than 10% of its staff this year. The Group Chief Executive, Liam Nagle, said around 300 of its 2,900 workers had been made redundant on a phased basis from the business.
Ireland's Largest Construction Firm Lays Off 300
The Sisk Group, the larget construction firm in Ireland has laid off more than 10% of its staff this year. The Group Chief Executive, Liam Nagle, said around 300 of its 2,900 workers had been made redundant on a phased basis from the business.
28 September 2009
Scottish Building Industry Job Losses Grow
The confidence of the Scottish construction sector remains weak as a further 8,500 jobs have been lost from the industry in the first eight months of 2009.
Scottish Building Industry Job Losses Grow
The confidence of the Scottish construction sector remains weak as a further 8,500 jobs have been lost from the industry in the first eight months of 2009.
10 March 2016
Construction Unions 'Insulted' Over Pay Offer
Unions representing workers employed under the largest collective agreement in the construction industry have described the employer's paltry pay offer as "insulting". Pay talks for the Construction Industry Joint Council (CIJC) which covers the pay and conditions of around 500,000 construction workers, were held on Wednesday 09 March.
Construction Unions 'Insulted' Over Pay Offer
Unions representing workers employed under the largest collective agreement in the construction industry have described the employer's paltry pay offer as "insulting". Pay talks for the Construction Industry Joint Council (CIJC) which covers the pay and conditions of around 500,000 construction workers, were held on Wednesday 09 March.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
