The shortage of skilled workers such as carpenters and bricklayers threatens to hold back the UK government ’s plan to build 200,000 new homes by 2020 . The Federation of Master Builders said 59 per cent of small and medium-sized construction firms were struggling to hire skilled bricklayers, while 55 per cent had trouble finding carpenters and joiners. ' Building site cost is increasingly high , with some areas paying bricklayers £ 50,000 per year for their skill set . The Federation of Home Builders has found that 59 % of small- to medium - sized construction companies are struggling to find skilled bricklayers , with 30 % having difficulties in finding joiners and carpenters . The government is attempting to tackle the issue by putting £ 2.5bn into apprenticeships by 2020 . Chief executive of the UK builder Redrow , John Tutte , said : " A drive for more homes must come hand in hand with a drive to recruit workers " .
The shortage of skilled workers such as carpenters and bricklayers threatens to hold back the UK government ’s plan to build 200,000 new homes by 2020 . Building site cost is increasingly high , with some areas paying bricklayers £ 50,000 per year for their skill set . The Federation of Home Builders has found that 59 % of small- to medium - sized construction companies are struggling to find skilled bricklayers , with 30 % having difficulties in finding joiners and carpenters . The government is attempting to tackle the issue by putting £ 2.5bn into apprenticeships by 2020 . Chief executive of the UK builder Redrow , John Tutte , said : " A drive for more homes must come hand in hand with a drive to recruit workers " .