According to the Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC), the United States construction industry will require nearly half a million additional workers this year to meet rising demand.The US trade organisation, representing more than 23,000 builders and contractors, estimates that 439,000 net new workers will be needed in 2025 to match expected construction activity. That number is set to rise to approximately 499,000 in 2026, bringing the total requirement to nearly one million workers over the next two years.ABC’s Chief Economist, Anirban Basu, warned that failing to attract enough workers would escalate labour costs, further inflate construction expenses, and limit project feasibility.“If construction fails to do so, industrywide labour cost escalation will accelerate, exacerbating already high construction costs and reducing the volume of work that is financially feasible,” he said.Wages in the construction sector have already seen significant increases. Over the past year, average hourly earnings have risen by 4.4%, outpacing wage growth across other industries. Further increases may be expected if labour shortages persist or if changes to immigration policy impact the availability of workers.Basu highlighted concerns over the impact of stricter immigration policies, noting that in previous years, higher immigration rates helped supplement the labour supply. He warned that potential policy changes could restrict worker availability at a time when the industry is already struggling to fill positions.Despite these challenges, Basu described the 2025 forecast as an improvement compared to previous years. He attributed this to two key factors: slower construction spending growth, particularly in interest rate-sensitive sectors such as homebuilding, and a younger workforce. The median age of construction workers has fallen below 42 for the first time since 2011, suggesting an influx of younger workers.ABC said it is working closely with federal officials to find ways to address the skills gap and expand workforce training opportunities. The organisation’s president and CEO, Michael Bellaman, said while progress has been made, there is still much to be done to strengthen the talent pipeline.“The data on the number of young people choosing a career in construction suggests that employing practical technology and innovation in educational programs and on job sites helps maximise the productivity and efficiency of the construction workforce,” he said.Bellaman added that ABC is committed to developing talent through various initiatives, including apprenticeship programs and industry-driven training schemes aimed at attracting and upskilling new workers.ABC’s projections are based on a proprietary model that analyses historical construction spending data from the US Census Bureau and employment statistics from the Bureau of Labor Statistics. The model estimates that every additional billion dollars of construction spending generates approximately 3,550 new jobs. It also takes into account job openings, unemployment levels, and anticipated retirements in the sector.With demand for skilled labour expected to remain high, the industry faces an ongoing challenge to recruit and retain workers to sustain the construction boom.
The National Access & Scaffolding Confederation (NASC) has called for urgent action to tackle the skills crisis in the construction sector following Chancellor Rachel Reeves’s announcement of a plan to accelerate economic growth.While welcoming the ambition behind proposals to create a new “Silicon Valley” and revitalise the UK economy, NASC has warned that without skilled workers, these plans could struggle to become reality.Clive DickinNASC Chief Executive Clive Dickin highlighted concerns that major infrastructure projects, including the redevelopment of Old Trafford, would be hampered by a shortage of trained scaffolders.The organisation has repeatedly urged the government to add scaffolders to the Shortage Occupation List (SOL), arguing that access to skilled overseas workers could help fill immediate gaps in the workforce and enable critical construction projects to proceed.The government’s recently published Infrastructure Strategy Working Paper has outlined a commitment to collaboration with industry stakeholders. However, NASC believes that without significant intervention, including greater investment in skills training, the sector will face increasing challenges in meeting demand.“The UK does not have enough skilled scaffolders to support current projects, let alone the surge in construction that the Chancellor envisions,” Dickin said. “Adding scaffolders to the Shortage Occupation List is a crucial step in bridging the gap, ensuring we have the workforce needed to build safely and efficiently.”NASC has also emphasised the importance of long-term investment in training and development, citing initiatives such as its partnership with City & Guilds Training on Scaffolding Skills Bootcamps.The organisation argues that while these programs demonstrate the industry’s commitment to upskilling, sustained government support is required to expand opportunities for new entrants into the trade.Chancellor Reeves has expressed determination to drive economic growth and tackle challenges facing the UK workforce. NASC is urging her to prioritise the construction skills gap as part of this strategy, warning that failure to do so could undermine efforts to fast-track new projects and infrastructure development.“The government must take immediate steps to address the scaffolding skills shortage,” said Dickin. “The future of the UK’s construction sector—and by extension, the economy—depends on swift and decisive action.”NASC remains committed to working with policymakers to find solutions, ensuring that the necessary workforce is in place to support the UK’s ambitious infrastructure plans.
UK Construction Week (UKCW) has announced a new partnership with the Scaffolding Association, a move set to strengthen the role of scaffolding in the UK’s construction sector.The collaboration will see the association take an active role at both UK Construction Week London and UK Construction Week Birmingham later this year.The partnership aims to put scaffolding at the forefront of industry discussions, highlighting its vital role in safety, innovation, and best practices. By working together, UKCW and the Scaffolding Association plan to provide a key platform for professionals to share expertise and explore solutions that improve standards across the sector.
A Step Towards Innovation and Safety
For UKCW, the agreement represents a significant step in its mission to connect all aspects of the construction industry. With the Scaffolding Association’s involvement, the event will now feature enhanced programming that underscores the importance of scaffolding in project planning and execution.Neil Gaisford, Divisional Director of Construction at UK Construction Week, welcomed the partnership, stating: “We’re excited to partner with the Scaffolding Association, one of the UK’s leading voices in scaffolding. This collaboration is a natural fit for us as we continue to drive the conversation around innovation and safety within construction. We look forward to working together to elevate the importance of scaffolding, promote best practices, and create valuable opportunities for the entire construction industry to come together and push boundaries.”For the Scaffolding Association, this partnership presents an opportunity to engage with key stakeholders and advocate for improved safety and efficiency within the industry.The association’s presence at both UKCW events will ensure scaffolding remains a focal point in wider construction discussions.Robert Candy, Chief Executive of the Scaffolding Association, emphasised the importance of integrating scaffolding considerations early in the project planning process. “We are pleased to be working with UK Construction Week at both their London and Birmingham events. Their ethos matches the Scaffolding Association’s mission to promote improved safety, competence, and innovation within our sector. Scaffolding is an integral part of the construction industry and should be incorporated early into the project planning process. UK Construction Week has given us the platform to showcase these procedures and the implications of getting it wrong.”
Showcasing Expertise Across Two Major Events
The partnership will debut at UK Construction Week London, taking place at ExCeL London from 7–9 May, before moving to UK Construction Week Birmingham at NEC Birmingham from 30 September – 2 October.Both events are expected to draw thousands of construction professionals, providing a stage for the latest innovations, expert-led discussions, and live demonstrations. With the scaffolding sector playing a crucial role in ensuring safe working environments, the partnership between UKCW and the Scaffolding Association is poised to reinforce the importance of industry-wide collaboration.
A Platform for Progress
As the UK’s largest built environment event, UK Construction Week aims to drive innovation, sustainability, and best practices across all construction disciplines. By joining forces with the Scaffolding Association, the event is set to bring scaffolding into sharper focus, ensuring that safety, skills, and new technologies remain central to the industry’s evolution.For more information about the events, visit UK Construction Week’s website.
Avontus Software has officially launched its much-anticipated scaffold design competition, #BeatMyScaffold2025. This competition will allow industry professionals and enthusiasts to showcase their most innovative scaffold designs.The contest runs from January 27 to March 10 and invites participants to submit their most creative scaffold structures designed using Avontus Designer. The competition offers a platform for designers to gain industry recognition and presents a top prize of a DJI FPV Combo Drone with a 4K camera for the ultimate winner.Entrants must submit their scaffold design along with supporting media, and to progress in the competition, they are encouraged to rally their networks for votes.The top five entries with the most votes will advance to the final round, where an expert panel will determine the winners.The competition is expected to draw significant interest from the scaffolding and construction sectors. Previous editions showcased cutting-edge designs and technical ingenuity.The winners will be announced on March 13. To enter and for full contest details, visit the official BeatMyScaffold 2025 website.
The National Access and Scaffolding Confederation (NASC) and the Construction Industry Scaffolders Record Scheme (CISRS) have urged the UK government to address a severe scaffolding skills shortage by adding scaffolders to the country’s shortage occupation list. They argue that this move is essential to ensuring the success of the government’s housing, infrastructure, and energy goals.The two organisations have written to Prime Minister Keir Starmer, Chancellor Rachel Reeves, and Migration Advisory Committee Chair Brian Bell requesting changes to immigration rules to facilitate the recruitment of scaffolders from overseas.NASC CEO, Clive DickinIn a letter to the Chancellor, NASC Chief Executive Clive Dickin warned that the shortage of skilled scaffolders threatens progress on critical projects tied to the government’s economic and environmental strategy.“The scaffolding and access sector is confronting a significant skills shortage that threatens progress on essential infrastructure and housing projects – areas critical to your economic strategy and broader fiscal objectives,” Dickin stated.The NASC and CISRS emphasised their commitment to investing in training and upskilling domestic talent through initiatives such as their Talent Portal, Bootcamp funding, and changes to the CISRS training scheme. However, they stressed that these measures will take time to address the shortfall.Dickin explained: “Until and unless we sort out the challenge of the severe shortage of skilled scaffolders in the UK, the government’s mission for growth is unlikely to succeed. The real boost for the UK economy that could come from the plans to build more homes and invest in more infrastructure, for example, won’t be realised without more scaffolders.“While in the medium-to-long term we will continue to push for better funding for training and education to allow us to develop and nurture home-grown talent, in the short term these skills must come from overseas.Adding scaffolders to the Occupational Shortage List is a vital first step. This would be an intelligent, strategic use of immigration to drive the growth agenda forward, allowing for the medium- to long-term steps to take effect, at which point the trade could be removed from the list.”Currently, roles such as bricklayers, carpenters, plasterers, and roofers are already on the shortage occupation list, renamed the immigration salary list. This designation simplifies the process of hiring overseas workers for industries facing significant workforce challenges.In a letter to Brian Bell, the two organisations called for scaffolding and access roles—particularly those requiring Level 2 and below qualifications—to be included in the list for a five-year period. They also highlighted the critical role skilled scaffolders play in advancing national priorities, including infrastructure expansion and achieving net-zero targets.NASC estimates that there are currently over 1,200 unfilled scaffolding roles nationwide, with sector growth of 18 per cent anticipated among its members.Speaking to Construction News, Dickin reiterated the urgency of the matter. “The talent shortage is a major barrier to achieving good growth within the UK economy. It is really important that the government afford change in the short term to amend the shortage occupation list and bring talent into the UK.”A government spokesperson responded, pointing to their strategy to boost the domestic workforce and reduce reliance on overseas labour. “Under our Plan for Change, we will restore order by linking our immigration, skills, and visa systems so we can grow our domestic workforce, end the reliance on overseas labour, and boost economic growth,” they said.The spokesperson also noted a £140m investment in Homebuilding Skills Hubs to train construction apprentices and the establishment of Skills England to address workforce
PASMA has announced a significant step forward in modernising the way it certifies workers, with the phased rollout of its virtual cards now in full swing.As part of its TowerSure app, the virtual cards aim to streamline the process of proving competence, offering a quicker, more secure, and environmentally friendly alternative to traditional plastic cards.
The Transition to Virtual
Virtual PASMA cards were first introduced in 2022, running alongside physical cards as a convenient and secure way for qualified workers to demonstrate their credentials.However, the organisation is now taking the next step by phasing out plastic cards entirely Training centres across PASMA’s network have begun issuing virtual cards exclusively, with the transition expected to be completed by June 2025.Plastic cards will still be available upon request but will come at an additional cost.
What is TowerSure?
The TowerSure app is the key to accessing the virtual PASMA card. Designed to improve safety and efficiency, the app provides step-by-step guidance for inspecting towers, helping ensure competent workers build them.For PASMA-certified individuals, TowerSure becomes an essential tool. New trainees will be introduced to the app during their courses, where instructors will explain how to use it to access their virtual cards.“TowerSure is more than just a digital credential. It’s a comprehensive tool for promoting best practices in tower safety,” a PASMA spokesperson said.
Getting Your Virtual PASMA Card
To access a virtual card, users simply need to download the TowerSure app from the Apple Store or Google Play and register an account. Trainees must use the same name and certificate number provided during their PASMA course to ensure the virtual card appears in the app.Once logged in, cardholders can view their credentials instantly via the app. Updates, such as renewed qualifications or additional certifications, are applied automatically.
Validating Virtual Cards
Site managers and safety personnel can easily verify the authenticity of virtual PASMA cards using existing tools, such as PASMA’s “Check a Card” feature or the CSCS Smart Check app.Each card lists the holder’s specific qualifications, allowing managers to confirm whether they are certified to work with particular categories of towers.
Sustainability at the Forefront
The move to virtual cards supports PASMA’s wider commitment to sustainability. By eliminating plastic cards, paper materials, and postage, the organisation is significantly reducing its carbon footprint.“With over 80,000 training delegates annually, the switch to virtual cards is a major step toward a greener future for the industry,” the spokesperson added.In addition to environmental benefits, virtual cards also address practical issues. They are instantly accessible via smartphones and cannot be lost, stolen, or forgotten—offering greater convenience for workers and employers alike.
The Future of Certification
Virtual PASMA cards mark a pivotal change in how the tower industry demonstrates competence. As the rollout continues, PASMA is encouraging workers and employers to familiarise themselves with the TowerSure app and its features.For more information about virtual cards and how to use them, visit PASMA’s website and explore the FAQs in the training section.
A specialist construction company has been fined £60,000 following the death of a worker who fell from a church steeple in Birmingham.David Clover, 64, was employed by Ecclesiastical Steeplejacks Ltd to perform restoration work on the 60-metre-high steeple of St Nicholas’ Church, Kings Norton, on 13 November 2020. While suspended in a ‘bosun’s chair,’ a work positioning seat, he fell and suffered fatal injuries.An investigation by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) revealed that the bosun’s chair lacked a suitable backup system, such as a twin-leg lanyard fall arrest harness, to prevent falls.The company, which has since ceased trading but was previously based in Stirchley, Birmingham, pleaded guilty to breaching the Work at Height Regulations 2005. Image credit: HSEThe hearing, held at Birmingham Magistrates’ Court on 15 January 2025, resulted in a £60,000 fine.In sentencing, Judge Quereshi criticised the firm’s outdated approach to managing health and safety, highlighting the preventable nature of the incident.HSE inspector Emma Page expressed condolences to Mr Clover’s family and emphasised the ongoing risks associated with working at height. “Falls from height remain one of the leading causes of work-related deaths and injuries in Great Britain. We will take action against companies that fail to protect workers.”Statistics from the HSE show that 50 people died from falls at height in 2023/24. Updated guidance on mitigating these risks is available on the HSE’s website.This prosecution was conducted by HSE enforcement lawyer Julian White and paralegal officer Imogen Isaac.
The JMAC Group has issued an official statement regarding the severe damage caused to a temporary roof at the Sands Centre in Carlisle during last week’s Storm Éowyn. The structure, installed by JMAC, was severely impacted by the storm’s hurricane-force winds, which tore through the region on Friday, causing widespread disruption.The directors of JMAC Group emphasised that, crucially, no injuries occurred during the incident. The company is now prioritising the safety and integrity of the site as it works in close collaboration with the client to remove the damaged roof and facilitate the reopening of the Sands Centre.“Our priority as a board is to ensure the integrity and safety of the project,” JMAC stated. “We are working closely with the client to ensure the roof can be safely removed to allow for the reopening of the Sands Centre.”JMAC has initiated a comprehensive investigation into the incident, with a commitment to uncovering the factors that led to the failure of the temporary roof structure.According to the board, the company intends to share its findings with industry peers to help prevent similar incidents in the future.“We are committed to conducting comprehensive investigations which have started today.We aim to share learnings with peers and our industry to prevent any reoccurrence of such incident,” the statement added.The incident at the Sands Centre has prompted a broader discussion about the resilience and safety of temporary structures under extreme weather conditions. JMAC Group’s transparent approach and willingness to share insights have been met with support from across the construction and scaffolding industry.JMAC concluded its statement by expressing appreciation for the understanding and support it has received from industry colleagues. It pledged to provide regular updates as the investigation progressed.The Sands Centre remains closed while repair work is carried out, and further updates on its reopening are expected in the coming days.
The Lighthouse Charity, dedicated to supporting the construction industry’s workforce and their families, has delivered record-breaking levels of assistance in 2024, reflecting its pivotal role in promoting wellbeing across the sector.Over the past year, the charity provided £4.98 million in charitable support to 5,695 families through its free, confidential helpline and live web chat service. Alongside emotional and financial aid, the organisation also delivered 5,712 meals and facilitated 5,756 counselling sessions to help individuals navigate personal and professional challenges.The charity’s #MakeItVisible initiative continued its impactful outreach, focusing on vulnerable frontline workers. In 2024, the team visited 572 construction sites, engaging directly with more than 28,000 site workers. Crucially, they intervened in 88 cases where workers expressed suicidal thoughts, successfully preventing potential tragedies through conversation and ongoing support.Reflecting on the charity’s achievements, Sarah Bolton, CEO of the Lighthouse Charity, highlighted the challenges the construction sector faced in 2024. “This support was delivered against another challenging year, with the construction sector being one of the worst hit for company insolvencies,” she said. “The rising cost of materials and the cost of living have added additional pressure on our construction community.”She continued, “The important thing is that people know about us and are reaching out for help. Whether it’s supporting someone through illness or injury, ensuring there’s a meal on the table, or simply offering a listening ear, the message is simple: If you’re struggling, help is here.”Bolton praised the construction community for its role in enabling the charity’s life-changing work, from fundraising events to corporate support and spreading awareness through supply chains.Looking ahead to 2025, the charity is committed to expanding its services further. “Our work is continuous, and we are looking forward to extending the support we offer even further in 2025,” Bolton said.The Lighthouse Charity’s efforts underline the importance of prioritising wellbeing in an industry often defined by its physical and emotional demands. With its unwavering commitment, the charity has not only set new records in support but also provided a lifeline to thousands in need.
An investigation is underway after a temporary roof spanning 36 metres over The Sands Centre in Carlisle was torn apart by Storm Éowyn’s hurricane-force winds.The incident occurred on Friday (24 January) as the storm battered Ireland, Northern Ireland, and Scotland, bringing up to 100mph gusts.The huge temporary roof was installed as part of the venue’s repair works, which had been addressing structural issues involving Reinforced Autoclaved Aerated Concrete (RAAC). The ferocious winds overwhelmed the structure, but fortunately, no injuries were reported.
Ryan Payne, Operations Director at JMAC Group—the company responsible for the roof and scaffolding works on site—addressed the incident on social media, stating, “This is our roof, and myself and the fellow Directors will be sharing everything from cradle to grave in terms of investigation on how this occurred and how we can prevent it reoccurring in the industry in the future.” He added that industry leaders are involved in the ongoing investigation, and updates will be provided in the coming weeks.Storm Éowyn has been described as one of the most intense weather events to hit the region in decades, leaving a trail of destruction across parts of the UK and Ireland. The storm’s violent winds caused widespread disruption, with fallen trees, damaged buildings, and power outages reported.In the wake of the incident, industry experts are likely to scrutinise the design, installation, and maintenance of temporary roofing structures to ensure lessons are learned and similar occurrences are prevented in the future.The JMAC Group has expressed gratitude for the messages of support received and emphasised that safety remains their top priority.How the impressive structure looked before the stormAs the investigation progresses, the company aims to provide transparency and share findings to help improve standards across the industry.The Sands Centre, a major venue in Carlisle, remains closed as repair works continue.We have reached out to JMAC Group for an official comment but are awaiting their response.
