The Construction Jobs Plan | Episode 132

Construction Disrupted Episode 132 - The Construction Jobs Plan (09.09.26) in partnership with Adobe Acrobat Studio. Check them out and show them some love.

In this episode, we're discussing new insights on salaries and workplace expectations, government plans to address workforce shortages, and bold ideas to accelerate housing delivery around train stations.

High salaries but higher expectations: survey takes industry temperature on work trends and salary

A recent Construction Management survey reveals that while construction professionals are enjoying higher salaries—average earnings have risen to nearly £78,000, with over 21% earning above £100,000—expectations are also rising. Job stability remains strong, with 76% confident about future opportunities, but satisfaction is increasingly tied to more than just pay. Holiday entitlement and wellbeing benefits are highly valued, while work-life balance and personal development need improvement.

The workforce remains predominantly male (87%) and older, raising concerns about succession planning. Professional membership, especially with CIOB, boosts optimism and career prospects. Recruitment experts note that career development and recognition are now as important as salary in retaining talent.

Construction Salary and Market Trends Survey 2026

Government to publish construction jobs plan this year

The UK government is set to release a comprehensive construction jobs plan aimed at tackling workforce shortages. Housing minister Matthew Pennycook highlighted the sector’s ongoing pressures, particularly the loss of EU labour post-Brexit and high dropout rates from construction courses.

The plan, developed with industry input, will include a £625 million skills package for boot camps, placements, and retraining. The government’s new towns programme is expected to provide a long-term pipeline for modern construction methods, helping to attract and upskill workers. Pennycook emphasized the need for certainty and sustained investment to support both traditional and factory-based construction, aiming to make the sector more appealing to young people and those not currently in education or employment.

Hand Network Rail land to metro mayors to speed up housing delivery around train stations, think tank tells government

The Centre for Cities think tank urges the government to transfer control of Network Rail land around train stations to regional mayors to accelerate housing delivery. Their research shows that matching housing densities seen in France and Japan could reduce the UK’s housing shortage by 25%, adding over a million homes in major cities. The report argues that current low-density development and fragmented land ownership are major barriers. Fast-tracking land transfers and empowering mayoral development corporations could cut planning delays and boost regeneration.

While Network Rail’s Platform4 is working to address these issues, the think tank insists that only urgent reform and stronger partnerships will unlock the full potential of these sites for housing and economic growth.