ECITB in net zero jobs warning over ‘sluggish’ growth figures

ECITB in net zero jobs warning over ‘sluggish’ growth figures

Findings from the ECITB’s new Workforce Census suggest the engineering construction industry headcount is on course to return to pre-Covid levels by 2023. But the scale of recovery may not be enough to deliver the volume of engineers needed for net zero and prevent future labour shortages.

With the UK Government’s long-awaited net zero strategy set to be unveiled in the run up to COP 26 in Glasgow, these latest insights from companies employing over 45,000 workers across 1,360 locations should set alarm bells ringing across government and industry.

The ECITB’s report finds that the number of workers across engineering, craft and technician roles fell by 15% in 2021 compared to 2019.  The data points to a bounce back to 102% of the 2019 total workforce by 2023, an 18% increase compared to 2021. But given the general consensus that more roles will be needed, particularly in areas of construction to deliver net zero by 2050, these relatively sluggish workforce growth projections are a matter of concern.