Construction Sector:
Key Facts
- Despite the recession, construction is still likely to employ around 2.6m people in 2013 in the UK.
- Total construction employment of just over 236,000 in 2007 in Scotland is forecast to drop to around 222,600 in 2009, before rising again to about 228,000 in 2013.
- To meet demand in the 2009–2013 period, after taking into account those entering the industry other than from training and those leaving, 3,960 new workers will be required to join the industry each year.
- The largest annual recruitment requirements (ARR) are expected to be for wood trades and interior fit-out and plant operatives.
- The largest percentage increases in employment between 2009 and 2013 are expected for surveyors (10.2%), senior, executive and business process managers (9.4%), and construction managers (7.3%). The biggest growth in absolute terms is likely in construction managers (1,170) with wood trades and interior fit-out coming second with 780, despite being a much bigger occupational category.
- The requirement for new recruits has been forecast by some to be reduced by half throughout the period 2009-2013, but information on this is a constantly changing picture.
- Most of the larger construction companies typically take on between 2 and 5 new graduate trainees each year in Scotland although there are strong indications that intake numbers will be less for 2009, and 2010
- There has been strong consolidation within the industry with a number of larger Scottish companies merging with English or International firms. This is in response to the decision-makers on major bids for commercial and public sector projects typically preferring companies that can demonstrate this level of scale.
Construction Sector Menu