UK Infrastructure Pipeline update highlights future construction workforce demand

A new update to the UK’s Infrastructure Pipeline has provided the construction sector with detailed forecasts of workforce demand, as the Government seeks to support long-term planning for skills and investment.

Published by the National Infrastructure and Service Transformation Authority (NISTA), the expanded pipeline now covers 734 planned projects worth £718bn in private and public investment over the next decade.

The update also included new analysis estimating the workforce needed to deliver these projects.

The data found that the UK will require an average construction and infrastructure workforce of between 629,000 and 706,000 workers annually over the next five years.

Over the next two years, demand is estimated to range between 621,000 and 697,000 workers.

Construction roles are expected to account for more than two-thirds of this demand, with education and health infrastructure projects generating the largest share of employment needs.

The update aims to give investors and businesses clearer insight into upcoming projects and labour requirements, helping firms plan recruitment, training and investment in capacity.

Chief secretary to the Treasury James Murray said: “We have the right economic plan to build a stronger and more secure economy. Transforming this country’s infrastructure is a vital part of that plan and will create high-quality jobs right across the country.