Property Industry Ireland, the Ibec group that represents businesses operating in the property sector, has said that while the growth in overall employment numbers is welcome, it masks the situation of the construction sector.
Commenting on today’s CSO releases PII Director, Dr. David Duffy stated: “Having lost over 160,000 jobs during the downturn, employment has only increased by 56,800 since its lowest point in the first quarter of 2013. In the recent PII and Ibec report we estimate that an additional 80,000 workers are needed in the construction sector to meet current housing demand.
“Skills shortages are already emerging in the sector. These are not just confined to the building trades but are also emerging in the design and planning professions.
“We must remove any barriers that prevent an inflow of skilled labour from abroad. Both returning Irish emigrants and non-nationals need to feel needed and welcome. In addition, our recent report with Ibec recommends that the Expert Group on Future Skills Needs be convened to review and prioritise an upgrade to the construction sector’s skills base and capabilities.”
