FMB fears for million-homes target under points-based immigration
February 2020

Concerns have been raised by the Federation of Master Builders over the government’s announcement of a points-based immigration system and the risk that it could block the route for low-skilled workers to come to the UK.

The organisation says the industry will need low-skill workers as much as professionals if it is to get anywhere near achieving its targets for tackling the country’s housing shortage.

"If we are to have an infrastructure revolution and build a million new homes over the next five years, we will need to have an immigration system that allows for key construction workers of all skill levels to come UK,” said CEO Brian Berry.
The announcement that there will no longer be a route for ‘low skill’ workers to come to the U.K. after next year will hamper the construction industry’s capacity to deliver on key projects.

“We will need general labourers as much as architects or surveyors. They are a core part of the construction industry and it’s simply unrealistic to assume the domestic workforce will fill this gap in the next nine months.”

www.fmb.org.uk