The UK construction industry is facing an escalating crisis: a severe shortage of skilled labour. This issue is threatening the timely delivery of major projects, from infrastructure to residential developments. A combination of factors, including Brexit, the COVID-19 pandemic, and an ageing workforce, has significantly reduced the number of available workers. According to industry reports, the sector has lost approximately 300,000 workers since 2019, creating widespread concern about the industry’s ability to meet demand.
The Impact on Design Consultancies
The shortage of skilled labour extends beyond on-site roles. Architectural practices, engineering firms, and other design consultancies are also feeling the strain, as they struggle to find the necessary expertise to support project delivery. The 2025 CADagency Salary Survey highlights a 4.6% increase in the average salary of CAD professionals over the past year, now sitting at £39,633. This rise reflects the increasing demand for experienced designers who can optimise workflows and compensate for on-site workforce shortages.
Additionally, the skills gap has driven up competition for top talent, forcing consultancies to reassess their employment strategies. Many firms are investing in training programmes, apprenticeships, and digital tools to improve efficiency. However, these efforts are long-term solutions to what is an immediate crisis.
Government and Industry Responses
The government is reviewing existing training boards and considering merging them to streamline skills development. Industry groups, including the Construction Leadership Council, have called for greater investment in vocational training, arguing that the UK must produce 50,000 new construction workers annually to meet demand. Despite these initiatives, recruitment remains a major challenge.
One of the key proposals under review is the expansion of employer-led training schemes, allowing companies to directly address their specific workforce needs. However, concerns remain over whether these schemes can scale quickly enough to bridge the existing gap.
Solutions for Design Consultancies
For design consultancies, the labour shortage presents both challenges and opportunities. The demand for skilled designers continues to rise, creating higher salary expectations and increased job mobility. Firms must adapt by:
- Enhancing Training and Development: Investing in employee development to ensure existing staff can take on more complex projects.
- Leveraging Digital Technologies: The use of AI-driven CAD software and Building Information Modelling (BIM) can help reduce reliance on physical labour by improving efficiency and reducing errors.
- Expanding Recruitment Channels: Looking beyond traditional hiring methods to attract talent from different sectors and regions.
- Advocating for Policy Support: Engaging with industry groups to push for more government-backed training schemes.
The construction industry’s skills gap is a growing concern that extends beyond on-site labour to design consultancies and engineering firms. While salary increases indicate strong demand for skilled professionals, long-term solutions are needed to stabilise the workforce. Employers, industry bodies, and the government must work together to address these shortages and ensure the continued growth of the sector. In the meantime, firms must remain agile, investing in training and technology to navigate this challenging landscape.