The UK construction industry is facing significant skills shortages, as levels now stand at their highest since 2008, according to the latest Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) UK Construction Market Survey (Q2 2014).

54% of respondents said there are insufficient numbers of quantity surveyors available to meet workloads, up from 41% recorded in the first quarter of this year.

The figures revealed today show private housing, commercial and industrial sectors are driving strong growth across the whole of the UK.

But 59% of respondents have reported shortages of bricklayers and 51% a shortage of managerial workers.

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RICS said this, coupled with the fact that brick imports were 63% higher than in Q2 2013, could result in upward pressure on costs and prices.

But, it also said employment prospects for the sector remain firm, as the industry is experience "rapidly rising demands from a historically low base".

Across the whole of the UK, a net balance of 60% of respondents expect employment to rise over the next 12 months.

"The UK construction market is mirroring the natural consequence of a rise in demand after five subdued years," said Alan Muse, RICS Director of Built Environment. "The upsurge in housing demand is creating pressure across an industry which failed to invest in attracting new talent or in the training of existing employees at the height of the economic downturn and this in turn is creating similar effects among material supply.

"The good news is that there is reason for optimism, with workloads, profits and employment all forecast to deliver growth over the next 12 months and it is now the responsibility of industry to invest in training and technology to ensure it capitalises on these opportunities."

(IT/JP)