CITB comment on Home Office migration plan

CITB Strategy and Policy Director Steve Radley, said: “CITB cautiously welcomes lowering the salary threshold for skilled migrants, increasing the number of construction occupations eligible to work in the UK, and the commitment to monitor and respond to skills shortages.

“These policies are essential in light of the Government’s expanded public investment programme and big ambitions for new homes.

“However, we need to see how this will work in practice, and to agree how we can minimise the impact of restrictions on low skilled workers. We will also work with Government to ensure self-employed people can continue to work in the UK construction industry through a new route that doesn’t require employer sponsorship.

“We also note the government’s commitment to investing in home grown talent and look forward to discussing how the apprenticeship system and Further Education can deliver better outcomes for industry.“

ENDS

Notes to Editors

Data from ONS shows that there were 180,000 EU nationals, of all skill levels, working in UK construction in 2019. CITB’s migration research last year indicated that 11% of non-UK born workers claimed to be general labourers, this would equate to 19,800, about 15% of all labourers. In London, over half the construction workforce is comprised of migrant workers (54%).