Covid-19: CITB chief exec update – 9 June 2021

Good afternoon,

I hope you are having a good week.

Your CITB update this week has two main items: news of a bounce back in construction output predicted in our new 2021-25 skills forecast, and details of a free health and wellbeing conference for employers.

Construction output and jobs on the rise – new forecast

The construction sector will bounce back from the pandemic quickly, with output reaching pre-Covid levels by 2022, according to CITB’s latest Construction Skills Network (CSN) forecast.

The report, which predicts skills needs up to 2025, shows a much more positive outlook than previously thought, with output growing by 4.4% each year on average across the UK. This is mainly due to strong growth in private housing and infrastructure, with 217,000 new workers needed to keep pace with demand. The jobs where most people will be needed include wood trades and interior fit-out, construction managers and other construction professionals.

The report has breakdowns for the predicted annual growth for each nation and region of the UK by sector, and individual trades and professions.

To read the full report, or data for your nation or region, click here.

Health and wellbeing conference for employers

A free health and wellbeing conference for construction employers is set to take place on 23 June.

The conference takes place online and looks at how creating a health, happier and more resilient workforce is good for businesses as well as employees.

The main speaker will be Rachel Suff from the CIPD who has written a report on wellbeing. In addition, there will be speakers from event organiser, the Civil Engineering Contractors’ Association (CECA), and HS2, the British Safety Council and the Lighthouse Club.

The Inspiring Change conference runs from 10am-2.30pm on 23 June and is supported by CITB.

Register for the event here.

Best wishes and stay safe,

Sarah Beale