The UK's construction industry is more at risk from a skills crisis rather than the vote to leave the European Union, according to recruiter One Way.

The industry recruitment specialist said while commentators have suggested the Brexit vote is the "main threat" to the sector, its own analysis found a lack of skilled professionals poses the biggest risk.

Paul Payne, managing director of One Way, said: "While numerous people have suggested that Brexit presents challenges to the construction industry, the idea is actually a bit of a red herring and we've seen little change since the result except for some natural hesitation brought on by the ‘Armageddon scenarios' being pumped into the market. We're as busy now as we were before the referendum and the real issue – the crippling lack of skilled professionals in this country – is being overlooked because of all the noise around Brexit."

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Mr Payne added focusing on homegrown talent by targeting more apprentices and young people at school level could be a solution, as well as widening the scope of the industry to include more women and professionals from diverse backgrounds.

"Even at the moment when there are a number of major projects being put on hold there simply aren't enough people in the market to meet demand," he said.

"Imagine what the situation will be like when the economy picks up and they're given the green light. Ultimately, something needs to happen quickly as we're rapidly approaching a breaking point where productivity will be affected."

(LM/CD)