UK’s Housebuilding Boom Opens Doors for Skilled Indian Construction Workers
The UK’s newly announced housebuilding boom is expected to create significant opportunities for skilled Indian construction workers, according to immigration expert Mr. Yash Dubal, Director of London-based A Y & J Solicitors.
In the recent spring statement, UK Chancellor Rachel Reeves placed construction at the core of the country’s economic strategy, pledging the development of 1.3 million homes by the financial year 2029–30. The initiative includes a £2 billion boost for affordable housing and a £600 million investment to train up to 60,000 new British construction workers.
However, Mr. Dubal believes domestic training efforts will fall short of industry demands. “To meet these ambitious targets, construction firms will inevitably need to recruit from overseas,” he said, highlighting a potential rise in demand for skilled workers from countries like India.
The move could pave the way for increased international collaboration and mobility in the construction sector, offering Indian professionals new opportunities in the UK’s evolving infrastructure landscape.
“Despite these initiatives, the UK construction sector faces significant labour shortages,” said Mr Dubal. “Recent data indicates that 16% of construction businesses are experiencing worker shortages, making it the second-most affected sector in the UK.”
The Construction Skills Network (CSN) reports that approximately 225,000 new construction workers are needed by 2027 to meet demand. And certain trades within the construction industry are experiencing more acute shortages. Specific roles such as bricklayers and civil engineers are in particularly high demand.
For this reason, Indian construction professionals seeking employment in the UK should investigate opportunities under the Skilled Worker visa route, which requires a job offer from a UK employer who is a licensed sponsor and covers a range of skilled roles within the construction sector.
Jobs eligible for skilled worker visas include bricklayers, stonemasons, roofers, roof tilers and slaters, carpenters and joiners, window fitters, plasterers and painters and decorators. While there is a salary threshold attached to most Skilled Worker visas of £38,700, many construction roles benefit from a reduction to this due to acute shortages, down to £30,960. Bricklayers, roofers and carpenters fall into this category.
Dubal continued, “Skilled tradesmen in the UK can earn high salaries. The UK's ambitious construction targets and existing labour shortages create substantial opportunities for skilled Indian construction workers. By understanding the visa options and aligning their skills with the UK's needs, Indian professionals can significantly contribute to the UK's construction industry while advancing their careers.”
