More announcements are made about major UK projects

If not in 2011 then the mist is at least beginning to clear beyond that as more announcements are made about major UK projects.

Yesterday we learned more about the route for the High Speed 2 rail link and although it will be 2016 before any real jobs materialise on the front line what is important is the confirmation that a range of major construction projects will go ahead allows for a degree of skills planning to be undertaken. In Infrastructure UK’s Cost Review, just published, they point out that more work needs to be done on developing skills and training in the industry if it is to reduce costs to international standards. A steady pipeline of major projects will assist with this as the supply chain, including recruiters, need the confidence to invest in the skills required as the economy recovers. In the shorter term, the overall construction industry has suffered significant job losses since its peak in 2007 and 2011 will probably be its lowest point but we do see some improvement for job prospects in particular areas such as retail related construction vacancies and commercial building in London. This, together with some civil engineering project starts suggest that the second half of 2011 will show improving prospects for jobs in construction before the industry starts its slow ascent back towards former heights. Sean McGinley:sean@mcginley.co.uk