Rise in construction activity offers employment opportunities, says FMB

The sharp increase in UK construction activity in September, according to the IHS Markit/CIPS PMI data published today, offers hope for new jobs in the building industry, says the Federation of Master Builders (FMB).

Brian Berry, Chief Executive of the FMB, said: “Growing activity in the construction industry should make this an attractive sector for young people considering their next steps after school, and people leaving other industries looking to retrain. Construction has a key role to play in rebuilding the economy as recognised by the Prime Minister in his ‘Build, build, build’ speech earlier this year. However, to ensure high standards, the industry needs to train, train, train. This means the trades need to be prioritised in the Government’s funding allocations for colleges. It also means we need to strengthen colleges’ links with employers so that we join the dots.”