Builders Merchants Journal – BMJ Publishing to Builders Merchants and the UK merchanting industry for more than 95 years
New data has shown that there is over 141,000 active vacancies across the top tradespeople roles, 51,683 of these vacancies are builders’ roles.
Metals4U, who published the data, analysed the job vacancies on Indeed, Total Jobs and LinkedIn to find the most in-demand trade roles in the country.
Paul McFadyen, chairperson of metals4U, commented: “Construction, building, and metal materials have been in heavy demand in the UK over the last few years, with increased development in residential and commercial properties. 
“The growing demand for builders and other tradespeople, combined with a shortage of the right qualifications is causing major issues. A recent FMB State of Trade survey revealed that 60% of jobs are stalled due to labour shortages, and this is something expected to continue in the construction industry as more houses need to be built.”
The top 10 cities with the most vacancies included:
- London: 13,921 vacancies
- Manchester: 2,724 vacancies
- Birmingham: 1,909 vacancies
- Bristol: 1,909 vacancies
- Leeds: 1,543 vacancies
- Liverpool: 1,010 vacancies
- Glasgow: 996 vacancies
- Leicester: 928 vacancies
- Edinburgh: 893 vacancies
- Sheffield: 890 vacancies
Following recent reports, as demand soars, 61,000 new builders will be needed in the UK by 2032, with this research indicating that there is already a considerable skills gap in the country’s trade workforce.
