CITB: UK Construction Needs 41,200 Extra Workers a Year Through 2030
What happened
The CITB has published its Construction Workforce Outlook 2026–2030, forecasting that the UK construction industry will need an average of 41,200 additional workers per year over the next five years — roughly 206,000 extra workers in total.
That's on top of a current workforce of 2.6 million, and it accounts for growth in construction activity, workers leaving the industry, and the need to sustain overall workforce levels. The CITB expects the workforce to reach about 2.68 million by 2030.
The short-term outlook is tough. Output is forecast to shrink by 0.2% this year before recovering to 1.8% growth in 2027 and 2.8% in 2028. The strongest demand is expected in new public housing, followed by private housing and infrastructure — sectors that rely heavily on electricians, plumbers, bricklayers, and carpenters.
The Outlook also highlights a persistent supply problem: too few people are entering the trades, and too many experienced workers are leaving. According to Installer Show reporting, the electrical sector is under the most pressure, with significantly more vacancies than apprenticeship completions across the board.
What this means for tradespeople
If you're already qualified and trading, this is actually good news for your business. A widening skills gap means less competition and stronger pricing power — especially for electricians, plumbers, and heating engineers where shortages are most acute.
But it only works in your favour if customers can find you. With fewer tradespeople around, homeowners are relying more heavily on Google searches, reviews, and AI recommendations to choose who to hire. The tradespeople who show up with a strong Google Business Profile, recent reviews, and a professional online presence are the ones who'll capture the work that a shrinking workforce can't handle.
For sole traders and small firms, this is a window to build your reputation while demand outstrips supply. The tradespeople who invest in their online presence now will be the ones homeowners default to when they need someone reliable.
What to do about it
- Make sure your Google Business Profile is complete, accurate, and shows your qualifications
- Keep reviews flowing — recent reviews matter more than ever when homeowners have fewer options to compare
- If you're turning work away, your reviews and profile will carry you when quieter months come around
Source: CITB
Related reading
- How to Get More Google Reviews as a Tradesperson
- How to Set Up Your Google Business Profile as a Tradesperson
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