The Federation of Master Builders (FMB) has warned that shortages of bricks and bricklayers will threaten future house building plans.

In the latest FMB State of Trade Survey for Q1 2015 businesses stated they found difficulty in recruiting bricklayers, as well as carpenters/joiners, supervisors and plumbers.

However, the survey revealed scaffolders were the least difficult to hire.

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Commenting on the survey, Brian Berry, Chief Executive of the FMB said: "Half of all construction SMEs, that’s one in two firms, are finding it difficult to recruit bricklayers.

"62% of firms are waiting for up to two months for new brick orders while almost one quarter are waiting for up to four months. An additional 16% are waiting for a staggering six to eight months."

Mr Berry added: "To ensure we have an ample supply of skilled workers in the future, the next Government must ensure it sets the right framework in terms of apprenticeship funding and apprenticeship standards."

(LM/CD)