Building skills
Think tank: Fabian Society
Author(s): Joe Dromey; Sasjkia Otto
May 5, 2026
This report from UK think tank the Fabian Society examines the built economy skills crisis.
The construction and built environment sector – which brings together the design, construction, management and maintenance of homes, buildings and infrastructure – is crucial to the UK economy. It provides millions of jobs, and plays a critical role as an enabler for the wider economy by delivering and maintaining the homes, buildings and infrastructure we need.
However, it is currently grappling with a significant workforce and skills crisis, with the highest proportion of skills shortage vacancies of any industry. At present, around 37,000 jobs in construction and the built environment remain unfilled due to a lack of skilled workers.
This report examines the workforce and skills crisis facing the sector, with a particular focus on both the construction industry and engineering and building services trades. It sets out key policy recommendations to address the crisis and outlines how to develop the skilled workforce needed to deliver the homes and infrastructure we need.
