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What do the proposed changes to earned settlement mean for construction

The Government’s proposed overhaul of UK settlement rules could have significant consequences for the construction industry, which relies heavily on migrant labour to fill skills shortages.

The proposed earned settlement system would replace the current model under which many migrants can apply for indefinite leave to remain (ILR) after five years. Instead, the Government wants settlement to become something that migrants must effectively earn through their contribution to the UK economy and society.

The consultation on the proposals closed in February 2026 after receiving more than 200,000 responses. However, the Government has yet to publish its final response. In July, Immigration Minister Mike Tapp confirmed that a substantive response would be provided alongside the consultation outcome in autumn 2026.

What is earned settlement?

Settlement, also known as ILR, gives a person the right to live and work permanently in the UK without the restrictions attached to most temporary immigration routes.

Under current rules, many Skilled Worker visa holders can apply for ILR after five years, provided they meet the relevant requirements. Once settled, they are no longer dependent on an employer for immigration sponsorship.

The Government’s proposed earned settlement model is based on the principle that permanent residence should reflect an individual’s contribution and integration rather than simply the passage of time.

The Home Office says settlement should recognise “sustained good conduct, contribution and integration”, with applicants assessed against four broad pillars: contribution, integration, character and residence.

The central proposal is to increase the standard qualifying period from five to 10 years, with the possibility of reducing or extending that period according to an individual’s circumstances.

How would the new system work?

The consultation proposed a 10-year starting point, with a series of adjustments.

For example, achieving C1-level English could reduce the qualifying period by one year. Earning taxable income of at least £50,270 for three consecutive years could reduce it by five years, while earning £125,140 or more for three years could provide a seven-year reduction.

Five years of employment in a specified public-service occupation could also produce a five-year reduction, while significant community involvement, such as volunteering, could potentially reduce the period by three to five years. Global Talent and Innovator Founder applicants could potentially benefit from a seven-year reduction.

The proposals also contain penalties. Receiving public funds for less than 12 months could add five years to the qualifying period, while receiving them for more than 12 months could add 10 years. Illegal entry, entering on a visit visa or overstaying for six months or more could add up to 20 years.

The Government has also proposed removing the existing 10-year long-residence route, replacing it with the new system of adjustable qualifying periods.

One particularly controversial element is the suggestion that some lower-skilled workers could face a 15-year baseline. This matters considerably to construction because a number of trades have historically relied on overseas recruitment.

Why construction could be particularly exposed

Construction already faces persistent shortages in skilled workers, while the industry has a substantial migrant workforce. Research cited by PBC Today puts the proportion of construction workers born outside the UK at around 16%.

The Government’s own immigration rules also demonstrate the importance of overseas recruitment to some construction trades. Bricklayers, roofers, carpenters and joiners, and certain construction trades are currently included on the Immigration Salary List, allowing qualifying workers to access reduced salary and skills thresholds.

That creates a potential mismatch between immigration policy and the industry’s labour requirements.

A worker may be sufficiently skilled and sufficiently valuable for a construction business to sponsor them, but still earn below the proposed £50,270 threshold needed for the five-year settlement reduction. Such a worker could therefore face the full 10-year qualifying period, or potentially longer if the final rules retain differentiated treatment for lower-skilled occupations.

This is particularly important for trades where salaries do not necessarily reflect their economic importance. A highly experienced bricklayer, carpenter or roofer may be difficult to replace but is unlikely to earn anything close to £125,140 a year.

The House of Commons Home Affairs Committee has already questioned the logic behind the proposed earnings thresholds. Dr Madeleine Sumption of the Migration Observatory described the use of tax thresholds as “a little arbitrary”, while former Migration Advisory Committee chair Professor Alan Manning warned that the £50,270 threshold could even create an incentive for employers to suppress migrant workers’ wages to delay their settlement.

That is a significant concern for construction employers because the ability to retain experienced workers is already an important part of managing skills shortages.

Sponsorship costs could increase

For construction businesses, the practical impact would extend beyond immigration status.

A worker who takes twice as long to achieve settlement could remain sponsored for twice as long. That means additional visa applications, immigration administration, compliance responsibilities and associated costs.

Joanne Hennessy, partner and head of business immigration at TLT, warned that employers who previously expected to face “at most five years of cost and compliance” could potentially see that period double. She also highlighted the risk that longer settlement routes could make it harder for construction companies to attract and retain international workers.

There is also a retention issue. Once an employee obtains ILR, they have considerably greater freedom to change employer. Keeping someone on a sponsored visa for longer may therefore give employers greater control, but it can also make the UK less attractive to workers considering where to build a long-term career.

That could become particularly problematic when construction companies are competing internationally for experienced engineers, project managers and specialist tradespeople.

A potential incentive to pay more

There is, however, another side to the proposals.

Linking settlement to earnings could encourage employers and employees to invest in progression, training and higher-skilled roles. A worker who moves into a more senior position and crosses the relevant earnings threshold could potentially shorten their route to settlement.

For construction, that could support career progression from skilled trades into supervisory, managerial and technical roles.

But it also risks creating a two-tier workforce in which the workers most essential to delivering projects are not necessarily those who benefit most from the settlement system.

The Parliamentary Home Affairs Committee has warned that the proposed earnings reductions could be poorly targeted. It noted that the median income of Skilled Workers, excluding Health and Care workers, was £56,600 in 2023/24, meaning many would potentially qualify for the five-year reduction, but questioned why someone making a positive fiscal contribution while earning below £50,270 should face the full 10-year route.

What happens next?

The most important point for construction employers is that earned settlement is not yet law. The existing settlement rules remain in force while the Government considers the consultation responses.

The Government has indicated that the final consultation response is expected in autumn 2026. It is also considering whether transitional arrangements should protect people already in the UK who are working towards settlement.

That transitional issue could be critical. Applying substantially longer settlement periods retrospectively to workers who came to Britain expecting to qualify under the existing five-year system has attracted strong criticism. The House of Lords Justice and Home Affairs Committee described retrospective changes as potentially “manifestly unfair” and recommended against applying them to people already on a qualifying route.

For construction businesses, the sensible approach is therefore to treat earned settlement as a significant potential workforce-planning issue rather than a settled immigration rule.

The industry needs clarity on whether existing workers will be protected, how lower-paid but strategically important occupations will be treated, and whether the final system will recognise contribution in terms broader than salary alone.

For a sector already struggling to recruit and retain enough skilled people to meet housing, infrastructure and net-zero ambitions, making the route to permanent residence longer and less predictable could carry a substantial cost. Unless the final rules are carefully designed around genuine skills shortages, there is a risk that earned settlement could make the UK less competitive in the global market for construction talent at precisely the time the industry needs more workers, not fewer.

Construction Nationwide Sureties News

RICS Construction Monitor Q2 2026: Workloads improve but remain in negative territory

The UK construction industry showed signs of improvement during the second quarter of 2026, but workload levels remain firmly in negative territory, highlighting the fragile nature of the sector’s recovery. The latest RICS UK Construction Monitor found that the headline construction workloads net balance improved from -12% in Q1 to -4% in Q2. However, this was the fifth consecutive quarter in which the measure remained negative.

RICS describes the improvement as a partial unwinding of the sharp deterioration recorded in the first quarter rather than evidence of a sustained recovery. For construction businesses, therefore, the latest figures offer some encouragement but little reason for complacency.

Infrastructure Leads UK Construction Recovery

Infrastructure continues to provide the strongest area of activity, with workloads recording a net balance of +16% in Q2, up from +4% in Q1 and the strongest result for seven quarters.

Energy infrastructure was particularly strong, rising from +24% to +39%, while water and sewage increased from +20% to +23%. Communications also strengthened significantly, reaching +22% compared with +8% in Q1. Rail moved into positive territory at +10%, while roads increased modestly to +7%.

This reinforces the increasingly important role being played by major infrastructure investment in supporting the wider construction industry. However, the strength of infrastructure also highlights the uneven nature of the recovery, with private-sector construction continuing to struggle.

Private housing remained the weakest major sector, although its workload balance improved from -19% to -12%. Private commercial workloads improved from -15% to -7%, while private industrial increased from -15% to -9%.

There was a more positive picture across public-sector work. Public housing moved into marginally positive territory at +1%, compared with -2% in Q1, while other public works increased from -1% to +9%.

Construction Outlook Improves

One of the more encouraging aspects of the RICS Construction Monitor is the improvement in expectations. The headline twelve-month workload expectations balance increased sharply from +2% in Q1 to +13% in Q2, suggesting that construction professionals expect activity to strengthen over the coming year.

Infrastructure remains expected to be the principal engine of growth, with its twelve-month workload expectations rising from +19% to +34%.

Expectations also improved across private residential and non-residential construction. Private residential expectations moved from -2% to +6%, while private non-residential increased from -4% to +11%.

The gap between current workloads and expectations is significant. While the current balance of -4% indicates that more respondents are still experiencing falling workloads than rising workloads, the +13% forward-looking balance suggests that confidence in a recovery is beginning to return.

The question for construction businesses is whether those expectations will translate into actual projects, particularly in the private sector where viability, financing and regulatory obstacles continue to delay developments.

Financial Constraints Remain A Major Barrier

Financial pressures remain one of the biggest constraints on construction activity. RICS found that 67% of respondents identified financial constraints as a barrier, while 61% highlighted planning and regulatory issues.

Credit conditions have nevertheless improved considerably. The three-month outlook improved from -51% in Q1 to -21%, while the twelve-month measure increased from -42% to -13%. Although both remain negative, the change suggests that respondents expect financial conditions to become less restrictive.

Cost pressures also remain substantial. Expected materials cost inflation fell from 7.5% to 6.7%, but remains high by historical standards. Labour cost expectations were broadly unchanged, at 5.2% for skilled workers and 3.9% for unskilled labour.

Labour shortages remain an issue for more than a third of respondents, increasing slightly from 34% to 36%, while material shortages increased from 18% to 25%.

Housebuilding Remains A Concern

The continuing weakness in private housing is arguably the most significant warning contained within the latest RICS report, particularly given the Government’s ambitions to increase housing supply.

RICS Chief Economist Simon Rubinsohn said: “The latest results continue to demonstrate the ongoing challenges facing much of the construction industry. Rising material costs are exacerbating existing financial hurdles and being reflected in further pressure on profit margins.”

He added: “Infrastructure continues to show a degree of resilience with workloads benefiting from a number of substantive projects.”

However, Rubinsohn warned that there is “little evidence of any improvement in sentiment in the housebuilding sector”, highlighting the challenge facing the new Prime Minister in attempting to reignite construction activity and significantly increase social housing delivery.

Regulation remains another obstacle. Rubinsohn said respondents continue to point to regulatory barriers affecting development timelines, with problems surrounding the Building Safety Regulator still frequently cited despite improvements to the process.

What Does The RICS Report Mean For Construction?

The Q2 Construction Monitor presents a construction sector that is improving, but not yet recovering on a broad basis.

The movement from -12% to -4% in the headline workload balance is undoubtedly positive. However, the fact that workloads remain negative for a fifth consecutive quarter demonstrates that the industry is still operating below the level required for a genuine broad-based recovery.

Infrastructure is providing a crucial source of activity, while public-sector workloads are beginning to improve. Yet private housing, commercial and industrial construction remain in contractionary territory.

The improving twelve-month outlook is therefore important. If better credit conditions, infrastructure investment and greater regulatory certainty translate into projects getting underway, the second half of 2026 could mark the beginning of a more meaningful recovery.

For now, however, the RICS data suggests the construction industry is moving in the right direction without having reached a clear turning point. The workload balance may have improved significantly, but at -4%, it remains a reminder that the sector still has considerable ground to recover.

Construction Government Policy Nationwide Sureties News Public Works Contract

New Hospital Programme awards 11 construction partnerships

The Government has taken another major step in delivering its long-term NHS infrastructure plans by confirming 11 construction partnerships under the New Hospital Programme (NHP). The agreements mark a significant milestone for the programme’s innovative Hospital 2.0 delivery model, which aims to build hospitals faster, more efficiently and at better value for taxpayers through standardised design and collaborative procurement.

The partnerships will deliver the first wave of major hospital projects using the Hospital 2.0 Alliance (H2A), bringing together NHS trusts and leading construction companies under a new collaborative framework designed to replace traditional procurement methods that have often delayed major public sector projects.

The announcement represents one of the most significant developments in the Government’s wider £37 billion New Hospital Programme, which aims to modernise England’s ageing hospital estate while creating greater certainty for the construction industry and supporting thousands of skilled jobs.

Hospital 2.0: A New Way to Build Hospitals

At the heart of the programme is Hospital 2.0, a standardised approach to designing, constructing and operating NHS hospitals.

Rather than treating every new hospital as a bespoke project, Hospital 2.0 introduces repeatable designs, standardised components and modern methods of construction. Around 80% of each hospital will follow common design principles while allowing the remaining elements to be tailored to local clinical requirements. The approach is intended to reduce design costs, speed up construction, improve quality and enable multiple hospitals to be built simultaneously.

The programme also focuses on improving patient outcomes. New hospitals will feature predominantly single-patient bedrooms, digitally enabled facilities, flexible clinical spaces, improved patient flow and sustainable building techniques. The standardised designs are intended to provide hospitals capable of meeting NHS needs for at least the next 60 years while enhancing infection prevention, staff wellbeing and operational efficiency.

Eleven Partnerships Confirmed

The Hospital 2.0 Alliance has matched ten leading construction organisations with 11 Wave 1 hospital schemes following a collaborative allocation process.

The proposed delivery partnerships include Airedale NHS Foundation Trust with GRAHAM; Royal Cornwall Hospitals NHS Trust with Willmott Dixon; Frimley Health NHS Foundation Trust with Sacyr UK; Hinchingbrooke Hospital with Kier Construction; Hillingdon Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust with Laing O’Rourke; James Paget University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust and Queen Elizabeth Hospital King’s Lynn NHS Foundation Trust with Skanska; Mid Cheshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust with Integrated Health Projects; Milton Keynes University Hospital NHS Foundation Trust with Morgan Sindall Construction; North Manchester General Hospital with Bovis Construction; and West Suffolk NHS Foundation Trust with Dragados.

The collaborative model differs significantly from conventional procurement by creating long-term partnerships rather than one-off contracts. The intention is that lessons learned on one hospital can be rapidly applied across future projects, improving productivity, safety and consistency throughout the programme.

Cutting Bureaucracy and Speeding Up Delivery

The Government says the new arrangements will reduce procurement delays that have historically slowed major NHS capital projects.

Karin Smyth, Minister of State for Health, said: “For too long, the construction of new hospitals has been bogged down by bureaucratic procurement processes, even after full approval and funding was in place, and we’re determined to change that.

“The changes announced today are a major step forward in streamlining the procurement process. Patients can look forward to new hospitals being delivered quicker, industry can plan with certainty, and taxpayers can be assured that we are getting maximum value for their money.

“With stronger collaboration, shared learning and a boost for jobs, this further demonstrates this government’s commitment to the New Hospital Programme, providing world-class facilities for the NHS and helping the economy in the process.”

Learning from Every Project

One of Hospital 2.0’s defining features is the creation of a collaborative supply chain through the Hospital 2.0 Alliance.

Instead of contractors working independently on individual projects, the framework encourages knowledge sharing across every scheme. Construction partners will work to common standards for health and safety, quality, sustainability and productivity, enabling continuous improvement as each new hospital progresses.

The programme also places significant emphasis on industrialised construction methods, including greater use of off-site manufacturing, standardised building components, digital design and data-driven project management. These approaches are expected to reduce waste, improve programme certainty and help address skills shortages within the construction sector.

Delivering Better Hospitals

The first annual New Hospital Programme report highlights Hospital 2.0 as a key enabler for delivering future NHS infrastructure more efficiently following the programme’s reset in 2025.

The report states that the standardised design is now substantially complete, with prototype patient rooms already tested and final design products being shared with participating NHS trusts. The programme has also strengthened governance, commercial oversight and technical expertise through the appointment of its Health Delivery Partnership and the mobilisation of the Hospital 2.0 Alliance.

While challenges remain, including maintaining market capacity and delivering multiple large-scale projects concurrently, ministers believe the new delivery model provides a more realistic and sustainable framework for transforming the NHS estate.

For patients, the programme promises modern, digitally enabled hospitals designed around privacy, safety and clinical efficiency. For the construction industry, it offers a long-term pipeline of work with greater certainty. For taxpayers, the Government hopes Hospital 2.0 will deliver better value through standardisation, collaboration and reduced procurement delays.

Construction Government Policy House Building Nationwide Sureties

Angela Rayner reaffirms commitment to 1.5 million new homes

Housing Secretary Angela Rayner has reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to delivering 1.5 million new homes during the current Parliament, insisting she will not abandon one of Labour’s flagship housing pledges despite mounting economic and construction challenges.

Speaking after Prime Minister Andy Burnham placed housing at the heart of his new administration’s agenda, Rayner acknowledged the scale of the task but stressed that the target remains unchanged: “1.5m homes is a difficult target. It was when I made the target, but I’m going to keep the target, and I’m not going to be defeated.”

The comments come as the Government seeks to accelerate housebuilding through planning reforms, increased investment in affordable housing and a renewed emphasis on council house construction, with Burnham promising the largest council housebuilding programme since the post-war era.

Housing target remains central to Government plans

The commitment to build 1.5 million homes has been a cornerstone of Labour’s housing strategy, but recent figures have highlighted the scale of the challenge.

Higher construction costs, labour shortages, elevated borrowing costs and slower-than-expected housing completions have all raised questions over whether the target can realistically be achieved within the parliamentary term. Rayner herself has acknowledged that rising build costs have made the objective even harder to reach, although she has rejected suggestions that ministers are preparing to abandon it.

Alongside maintaining the target, Rayner has ruled out introducing rent controls, arguing that increasing housing supply remains the most effective long-term solution to improving affordability.

Construction industry welcomes ambition but calls for further action

The construction and housebuilding sectors have broadly welcomed the Government’s determination to increase housing delivery but warn that planning reform alone will not be enough.

The Home Builders Federation said the return of Rayner as Housing Secretary provides continuity and welcomed the Government’s commitment to housing. However, it stressed that wider barriers must also be addressed, including planning delays, viability issues, infrastructure investment, workforce shortages and the availability of development finance if the industry is to deliver homes at the required pace.

Industry experts have repeatedly highlighted shortages of skilled tradespeople, including bricklayers, electricians and plumbers, alongside supply chain pressures and rising material costs, as significant constraints on increasing housing output. These challenges have become more acute following several years of inflation across the construction sector.

Many developers also argue that greater certainty around planning decisions, faster approvals and continued support for affordable housing are essential to unlock new developments.

Housing sector backs renewed council housebuilding

Construction industry welcomes Burnham’s housing and skills ambitions — Official Portrait. Image: GOV UK

The Government’s renewed focus on council housing has been welcomed across much of the housing sector.

Responding to Prime Minister Andy Burnham’s pledge to expand council housebuilding, Gavin Smart, chief executive of the Chartered Institute of Housing, said:“Andy Burnham’s speech rightly puts housing at the centre of the national debate, recognising that a safe, secure home underpins people’s life chances and the country’s economic success. The focus on large-scale council housebuilding reflects the urgency of the housing crisis, but delivering on this ambition will require sustained investment and a whole-sector effort.

“CIH will continue to work with government, local authorities, housing associations and partners across the sector to help turn this ambition into reality – delivering the homes people need and the foundations for healthier, fairer and more prosperous communities.”

The Chartered Institute of Housing has consistently argued that increasing the supply of affordable and social housing is critical to reducing homelessness, easing pressure on temporary accommodation and improving long-term economic productivity.

Balancing ambition with reality

While many within the housing and construction sectors support the Government’s ambition, most agree that delivery will require far more than political commitment alone.

The industry continues to call for sustained investment in infrastructure, expanded skills training, greater certainty for developers and long-term planning reform to enable local authorities and housebuilders to accelerate delivery.

Burnham has pledged to publish a wider 10-year plan for Britain later this year, with housing expected to remain a central pillar of the Government’s economic growth strategy. The Prime Minister has also made ending rough sleeping and expanding council housing early priorities of his administration.

For construction firms, developers and housing providers, Rayner’s latest comments provide reassurance that the Government remains committed to its headline housing pledge. However, with completions still well below the level required to meet the target, the coming years will determine whether planning reforms, investment and industry collaboration can translate political ambition into homes on the ground.

Construction Government Policy Nationwide Sureties

Construction industry welcomes Andy Burnham’s housing and skills ambitions

The UK construction industry has broadly welcomed Prime Minister Andy Burnham’s commitment to a major council house building programme and a renewed focus on technical education, while stressing that success will depend on long-term investment, planning reform and tackling persistent skills shortages.

In his first speech outside 10 Downing Street, Burnham pledged to “build more council homes”, overhaul the education system to help more young people into work, continue devolving power “to every postcode in the land”, re-industrialise parts of the country left behind since the 1980s and publish a new 10-year plan for Britain later this year. He also promised immediate measures to ease the cost-of-living crisis and give households “some breathing space”.

For the construction sector, the speech offered a strong indication that housebuilding, skills and regional investment will sit at the heart of the new government’s economic agenda.

Burnham’s commitment to expanding council housing echoes proposals he outlined during his Labour leadership campaign, where he described plans for the biggest council house building programme since the post-war era. His wider vision includes making greater use of public land, strengthening British supply chains through public procurement and creating stronger links between technical education and industry.

The emphasis on vocational education has also been welcomed across construction, an industry that continues to face acute labour shortages. Burnham said the education system would place greater emphasis on helping young people into work while improving mental health support, signalling a move towards greater parity between academic and technical routes. His approach is widely expected to build on the Skills Bootcamps introduced under Sir Keir Starmer’s government.

Industry commentators believe a stronger pipeline of skilled workers could help address one of construction’s biggest challenges. Employers have consistently warned that shortages of bricklayers, carpenters, electricians, plumbers and site managers remain one of the biggest barriers to increasing housing delivery and infrastructure investment.

Reaction from across the sector has been cautiously optimistic. Industry publication PBC Today noted that while Burnham’s speech contained relatively few policy details, his commitment to building more council homes and reforming education represented encouraging signals for construction. It added that expanding technical education and potentially extending Skills Bootcamps could further strengthen recruitment into the industry.

However, many organisations are now looking beyond the rhetoric and awaiting greater detail. The promised 10-year plan, expected later this year, is likely to be closely scrutinised by developers, contractors, housing associations and local authorities seeking clarity over funding, planning reform and procurement.

The proposed devolution of power has also generated interest across the sector. Burnham pledged to continue transferring decision-making away from Westminster and into local communities, arguing that growth is best delivered locally rather than through centralised government. For construction businesses, greater local control over housing, infrastructure and regeneration could accelerate decision-making and allow investment to better reflect regional priorities.

Similarly, Andy Burnham’s ambition to re-industrialise areas that have struggled since the 1980s could create significant opportunities for construction firms involved in manufacturing facilities, industrial estates, transport infrastructure and energy projects. His commitment to favour British industry through public procurement may also provide additional opportunities for domestic construction supply chains.

The government’s focus on reducing living costs has indirect implications for the industry as well. If successful, measures to improve affordability and increase housing supply could stimulate demand across the residential construction market while supporting wider economic confidence.

Nevertheless, analysts have cautioned that delivering a large-scale council house programme will not be straightforward. Rising construction costs, planning constraints, limited availability of development land and continuing skills shortages all present significant challenges. Recent analysis has questioned whether the proposed investment alone would be sufficient to deliver housing at the scale suggested without broader planning and private sector reforms.

The coming months will therefore be critical. Construction businesses are expected to welcome the government’s clear recognition of housing and skills as national priorities, but they will also be looking for practical measures to support delivery.

If Andy Burnham’s forthcoming 10-year strategy combines sustained investment, planning reform, expanded technical education and genuine devolution of power, it could provide the construction industry with the long-term certainty it has sought for many years.

For now, the sector appears encouraged by the direction of travel. The challenge facing the new Prime Minister will be turning ambitious commitments on housing, education and regional growth into projects that can be delivered on the ground.

Construction Government Policy House Building Nationwide Sureties News

Keir Starmer meets mayors to accelerate housebuilding and infrastructure delivery

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has met with mayors from across England as part of the Government’s latest push to accelerate housing, transport and infrastructure projects, signalling a renewed determination to remove barriers that have long delayed development and economic growth.

The meeting, which brought together regional leaders from across the political spectrum, focused on how devolved powers can be used to unlock stalled construction schemes, increase housing delivery and improve local transport networks. The discussions form part of the Government’s wider agenda to boost growth, tackle the housing shortage and give greater decision-making powers to local leaders.

At the centre of the talks was the challenge of speeding up housebuilding. With the UK continuing to face significant housing pressures, ministers are increasingly looking to mayors to help overcome planning delays, local opposition and bureaucratic obstacles that have prevented developments from progressing.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer said: “For too long, Britain has been held back by a system that says no, delaying projects, blocking growth and leaving communities behind.

“We’re turning that on its head by backing our mayors to get Britain building again, with spades in the ground and more jobs across the country. There will always be the naysayers and the blockers, but we cannot afford to give into them – because it will be the next generation that suffers.”

Starmer also highlighted the Government’s commitment to devolution, arguing that local leaders are best placed to understand the needs of their communities and drive economic development.

He added: “This government is backing mayors with the biggest devolution drive in a generation, putting real power in the hands of local leaders, because those with skin in the game know best what their communities need. That is the right thing to do for communities, and it’s the right thing to do for growth.”

A key outcome of the meeting was the Government’s pledge to support mayors in pushing forward projects that have stalled or been scaled back. Ministers also discussed a new “Right to Request” process that will enable mayors to seek additional devolved powers, further strengthening local control over housing, infrastructure and public services.

The Government believes greater devolution will help accelerate decision-making and improve the delivery of major projects. Recent announcements have already included proposals to give mayors more influence over transport schemes, innovation funding and strategic development initiatives.

Among the strongest supporters of the initiative is West Yorkshire Mayor Tracy Brabin, who has consistently argued that improved transport infrastructure is essential to unlocking economic growth and supporting new housing development across the region.

Brabin stated: “We have ambitious plans for our region and a Mass Transit network is a key part to unlocking our untapped potential which will boost growth and put more money in people’s pockets.

“With backing from the government and more powers devolved to mayors who know their areas best, we will transform West Yorkshire.

“Building the Mass Transit system our region needs will benefit the economy, strengthen connections, and improve lives for generations to come.”

The focus on housing comes at a critical time for the construction sector. Industry leaders have repeatedly warned that planning delays, skills shortages, infrastructure constraints and uncertainty around development funding continue to hamper the delivery of new homes.

Neil Jefferson, chief executive of the Home Builders Federation, recently described falling planning approvals as “disastrous” for both the industry and the Government’s housing ambitions, warning that without urgent intervention there is little prospect of delivering the homes the country needs.

Construction industry observers have broadly welcomed the Government’s willingness to tackle project delays. Analysts suggest that giving mayors greater powers could help unlock housing and regeneration schemes, particularly where local transport improvements and housing growth are closely linked. However, they also caution that faster approvals alone will not guarantee delivery if issues such as infrastructure capacity, procurement challenges and development viability remain unresolved.

The meeting reflects a broader shift in Government policy towards empowering regional leaders and accelerating delivery on the ground. With housing affordability remaining a major political and economic issue, ministers are increasingly focused on ensuring that planning reforms and devolution measures translate into tangible construction activity.

For the construction sector, the success of the initiative will ultimately be measured not by announcements, but by whether more homes, transport links and infrastructure projects move from the drawing board to reality. As Starmer’s Government continues its drive to “get Britain building”, mayors are set to play an increasingly influential role in shaping the country’s development pipeline.

Construction Construction Materials Developers Nationwide Sureties News

3D printed concrete in UK infrastructure and construction

3D printed concrete is rapidly moving from experimental technology to a practical solution for the UK construction and infrastructure sectors. As the industry faces mounting pressure to improve productivity, reduce carbon emissions and address labour shortages, additive manufacturing is emerging as a viable method for delivering buildings and infrastructure components faster and more efficiently.

The technology, often referred to as 3D concrete printing (3DCP), uses robotic systems to deposit layers of concrete according to a digital design. Unlike traditional construction methods, which rely heavily on formwork, 3D printing creates structures directly from computer models, reducing material waste and enabling complex geometries that would otherwise be costly or impossible to achieve.

3D printed concrete in UK infrastructure and construction — Image: Costain

The UK’s interest in 3D printed concrete has accelerated significantly over the past five years. Early adoption was largely focused on housing and demonstration projects, but the technology is now finding applications across infrastructure, utilities and civil engineering. One of the most notable developments came in 2026 when Costain deployed 3D printed concrete components on a major carbon capture project on Teesside. Working alongside A E Yates and Hyperion Robotics, the company used 90 low-carbon printed concrete pipe supports for a CO₂ pipeline within the East Coast Cluster network. According to project data, the printed components reduced concrete and steel consumption by 40 per cent and cut embodied carbon by up to 50 per cent compared with conventional precast alternatives.

The appeal of 3D printed concrete lies in its potential to address several longstanding challenges in construction. Industry suppliers report that automated printing can reduce project costs by around 30 per cent, accelerate delivery times by as much as 50 per cent and significantly reduce material waste. By placing concrete only where it is structurally required, the process supports both efficiency and sustainability objectives.

Housing remains one of the most promising applications. Harcourt Technologies (HTL), the exclusive distributor of COBOD’s 3D construction printing technology in the UK and Ireland, has been actively promoting the technology for affordable housing developments. The company states that 3D concrete printing can help facilitate “the rapid delivery of high-quality, affordable, and sustainable housing reliably and consistently.”

Industry collaboration has also played a crucial role in advancing the technology. Major materials suppliers have invested in developing printable concrete mixes that use conventional ready-mix materials rather than specialist mortars. CEMEX and COBOD jointly developed a system that enables standard concrete to be used in 3D printing applications, reducing costs and improving scalability. According to the companies, the innovation allows contractors to utilise locally sourced materials while achieving significant time savings compared with traditional methods.

Despite the progress, challenges remain before 3D printed concrete becomes mainstream across the UK. Regulatory compliance, quality assurance and structural standards continue to evolve. The construction industry is traditionally cautious about adopting new methods, particularly where long-term performance and safety are concerned. However, efforts to develop standardised approaches are helping to overcome these barriers. Harcourt Technologies, working with engineering consultancy Cundall, has been involved in projects aimed at establishing standards and protocols for 3D construction printing across Ireland and the UK.

Labour shortages are another factor driving interest. The UK construction sector faces a growing skills gap, particularly in trades associated with traditional building methods. Automated concrete printing can reduce the amount of manual labour required on site while improving consistency and productivity. Rather than replacing workers entirely, the technology is expected to shift demand towards digital design, robotics operation and advanced manufacturing skills.

Infrastructure applications may ultimately prove more transformative than housing. Printed concrete components such as pipe supports, retaining structures, foundations and utility assets can be manufactured off-site and delivered ready for installation. This approach aligns closely with the industry’s broader move towards modern methods of construction and off-site manufacturing. The success of recent infrastructure projects suggests that 3D printed concrete could become a valuable tool for delivering low-carbon assets while reducing programme times and site disruption.

Looking ahead, the outlook for 3D printed concrete in the UK is increasingly positive. As standards mature, equipment becomes more widely available and contractors gain confidence through real-world projects, adoption is likely to expand. While the technology will not replace conventional construction entirely, it is becoming an important addition to the industry’s toolkit.

For a sector under pressure to build more sustainably, more quickly and with fewer resources, 3D printed concrete represents one of the most significant construction innovations of the past decade. The transition from pilot projects to operational infrastructure schemes indicates that the technology is no longer a future concept but an emerging reality within the UK’s built environment.

Civil Engineering Construction Nationwide Sureties News

UKGBC launches Whole Life Carbon Framework

The UK Green Building Council (UKGBC) has launched its new Whole Life Carbon Framework (WLCF), marking a significant evolution of the organisation’s landmark Net Zero Carbon Framework Definition first introduced in 2019.

The updated framework has been designed to help the built environment sector reduce carbon emissions across the entire lifecycle of buildings, from design and construction through to operation, refurbishment and end-of-life.

The WLCF arrives at a critical moment for the construction and property industries as pressure intensifies to decarbonise the UK’s built environment. UKGBC has previously warned that the sector is “dangerously behind” in meeting national carbon reduction targets, with embodied carbon emissions continuing to rise despite broader net zero commitments.

UKGBC launches WLCF — Image by Toby Parsons from Pixabay

The original Net Zero Carbon Framework Definition, launched in 2019, was developed to create a common industry understanding of what constitutes a net zero carbon building. Since then, the market has matured significantly, with the introduction of initiatives such as the UK Net Zero Carbon Buildings Standard and growing adoption of whole-life carbon assessments across major developments.

According to UKGBC, the new framework builds on that earlier guidance by moving beyond high-level definitions and focusing on practical implementation. The WLCF establishes a set of principles and actions aimed at minimising whole-life carbon and managing residual emissions throughout a building’s lifecycle.

The framework introduces four overarching principles centred on adaptability, accountability, target-setting and transparent disclosure. It also provides lifecycle-stage actions intended to support project teams in making low-carbon decisions from the earliest stages of design through to operation and eventual deconstruction.

Yetunde Abdul, director of industry transformation at UKGBC, said: “As expectations around sustainability and carbon performance continue to grow, organisations need practical tools that support consistent and informed decision-making across the full life cycle of buildings.

“This updated framework is designed to help drive industry-wide action by supporting better design making, strengthening accountability and embedding whole-life carbon thinking into projects from the outset.”

Philippa Birch-Wood, head of climate action at UKGBC, said: “Designed to complement initiatives such as the UK Net Zero Carbon Buildings Standard, the framework will help organisations improve assessment, reporting and disclosure practices while supporting the transition to net-zero aligned buildings.”

Industry leaders have increasingly recognised whole-life carbon measurement as essential to achieving net zero goals, particularly as operational emissions begin to fall through improved energy efficiency and cleaner electricity generation.

The UKGBC’s latest Whole Life Carbon Roadmap Progress Report found that embodied carbon remains one of the sector’s biggest challenges. The report stated that emissions from buildings and infrastructure have fallen by just 14% since 2018, compared with the 24% reduction required to remain on track for the UK’s climate goals.

Simon McWhirter, chief executive of UKGBC, previously warned that the industry cannot afford to “lock in another generation of high-carbon homes, offices and infrastructure.”

The launch of the WLCF also reflects wider industry momentum around carbon reporting and lifecycle assessment. Organisations including the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) and the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) have both strengthened guidance around embodied carbon, lifecycle analysis and environmental product declarations in recent years.

UKGBC said the framework is intended to work alongside existing standards rather than replace them. The organisation believes the WLCF will support developers, contractors, consultants, local authorities and product manufacturers in embedding whole-life carbon thinking into mainstream project delivery.

The framework also aligns with UKGBC’s broader Net Zero Whole Life Carbon Roadmap, launched in 2021, which sets out the built environment sector’s pathway to net zero emissions by 2050. That roadmap was developed with contributions from more than 100 organisations across the construction and property sectors.

As regulatory scrutiny and investor expectations continue to rise, industry observers expect whole-life carbon measurement and disclosure to become increasingly central to planning, procurement and asset management decisions.

For UKGBC, the new framework represents an attempt to provide the market with a more practical and consistent approach to reducing carbon emissions across the built environment at scale.

Apprenticeship Construction Nationwide Sureties

Construction apprenticeships rise by 1.5% – but skills gap still looms

The UK construction sector has recorded its first increase in apprenticeship starts since 2021/22, according to new analysis from Protrade. While the 1.5% rise in new construction apprenticeships for 2024/25 offers some encouragement, the data also exposes ongoing weaknesses in the industry’s skills pipeline.

Protrade’s latest “State of Construction Apprenticeships in 2026” report found that 24,590 new apprentices entered the sector during 2024/25, compared with 24,230 the previous year. The increase reverses two consecutive years of decline and suggests the market may finally be stabilising after the post-pandemic slowdown.

Construction apprenticeships rise by 1.5% – but skills gap still looms — https://depositphotos.com/portfolio-1037987.html?content=photo

However, the figures remain significantly below what the industry actually needs. The Construction Industry Training Board (CITB) estimates that around 48,000 new workers are required every year to help meet housing and infrastructure targets. Current apprenticeship numbers are therefore only delivering around half of the annual workforce demand.

One of the report’s most positive findings is the continued growth in diversity across the construction workforce. Female apprenticeship uptake reached a record high in 2024/25, with 2,630 women beginning construction apprenticeships – a 9% increase on the previous year. Women now account for 10.7% of all new construction apprentices, up from 10% in 2023/24.

The rise in female participation is particularly significant for an industry that has historically struggled with gender imbalance. It also highlights changing perceptions around careers in construction, with more women considering skilled trades and technical roles as viable long-term careers.

Protrade’s analysis noted that recent growth in apprenticeship numbers is being driven “largely by improved female participation rather than broader sector growth.”

There was also strong progress in ethnic diversity. Apprenticeships taken up by people from ethnic minority backgrounds rose by 18% year-on-year to 2,270 starters, almost double the level recorded in 2018/19.

Regionally, the picture was mixed. The North West remained the UK’s strongest region for apprenticeship starts with 4,240 new entrants, while the East Midlands recorded the fastest growth rate at 8%. London, despite a modest increase, continued to rank lowest overall for apprenticeship numbers.

Despite the encouraging headlines, several underlying concerns remain. Recruitment among traditional younger age groups continues to stagnate, with apprenticeship starts among 16 and 17-year-olds either flat or declining. This is worrying for an industry already facing an ageing workforce and long-term labour shortages.

The report also highlighted the challenges faced by SMEs, which form the backbone of the UK construction industry. Many smaller firms still struggle with the cost, administration and training requirements associated with taking on apprentices.

Craig Sanders, joint managing director at Protrade, said the industry must do more to support SMEs and improve engagement with younger people entering the workforce. He argued that simplifying apprenticeship processes and increasing incentives for employers would help boost uptake across the sector.

Sanders also believes construction needs to better promote itself as a future-focused and environmentally driven industry. He said: “Positioning construction apprenticeships as a route into climate-positive, future-proof careers” could help attract more school leavers into the sector.

This is particularly relevant as the government’s net-zero ambitions increase demand for green construction skills, including retrofit, insulation and heat pump installation. Yet many young people still fail to associate construction with sustainability and innovation.

The latest figures therefore present a mixed picture for the industry. On one hand, the growth in female and diverse entrants demonstrates that efforts to widen access and modernise perceptions of construction are beginning to deliver results. On the other, the overall increase remains modest and far below the level needed to address the sector’s growing skills shortage.

Ultimately, the 1.5% rise may mark the beginning of a recovery, but it is not yet evidence of a fully functioning apprenticeship pipeline. Without greater support for employers, stronger engagement with younger workers and a more coordinated long-term strategy, the construction industry risks falling short of the workforce required to meet the UK’s ambitious housing and infrastructure goals.

Construction Nationwide Sureties News

How the Iran Conflict could ‘paralyse’ the construction industry

The ongoing Iran conflict is sending shockwaves far beyond geopolitics, with mounting evidence that the global construction sector could face severe disruption. According to Pick Everard’s Market Intelligence Report 2025, escalating instability in the Middle East is already influencing supply chain, costs, and investor confidence. If these pressures continue unchecked, the report warns, the construction industry risks becoming effectively “paralysed”.

At the heart of the issue lies the globalised nature of construction. Modern projects depend heavily on international supply chains for materials such as steel, cement, glass, and mechanical components. The Iran conflict threatens key shipping routes, particularly through the Strait of Hormuz, a critical artery for global energy supplies. Any disruption here has a cascading effect on oil and gas prices, which in turn drives up manufacturing, transportation, and operational costs across construction projects worldwide.

Energy prices are a particularly acute concern. Construction is an energy-intensive sector, from material production to on-site operations. Rising fuel costs increase the price of raw materials while simultaneously inflating logistics expenses. This double impact places enormous strain on project budgets, many of which are already finely balanced. As a result, developers may delay or cancel projects, leading to reduced activity across the industry.

The Pick Everard report highlights that uncertainty is proving just as damaging as actual disruption. Investors and developers are increasingly hesitant to commit to new projects in such a volatile environment. This “watch and wait” approach is slowing decision-making and stalling pipelines, creating a bottleneck that could significantly hinder growth.

Gavin Mason, Operations Director at Pick Everard, emphasises that inaction poses a major risk. He said that sitting tight is not an option and urged construction companies to adopt a proactive risk-management approach.

“It’s not a lack of intent that is the issue now,” he said, “but a ‘watch and wait’ mentality that is threatening growth.

“The problem is that the shockwaves from the Iran war are likely to be felt by construction for some time – regardless of how peace talks play out. In these volatile times, we need to collaborate and foster agility through strategies like advanced procurement and data sharing.”

This perspective reflects a broader industry concern: that hesitation could compound the challenges already facing construction. Labour shortages, inflation, and regulatory pressures were already testing resilience before geopolitical tensions intensified. The Iran conflict adds another layer of complexity, increasing the likelihood of project delays, cost overruns, and contractual disputes.

Supply chain fragility is another critical factor. Many construction firms rely on just-in-time delivery models to manage costs and efficiency. However, geopolitical instability exposes the vulnerability of this approach. Delays at ports, sanctions, or restricted trade routes can quickly disrupt schedules. The report suggests that companies may need to rethink procurement strategies, including diversifying suppliers and holding greater stock reserves, even if this increases short-term costs.

Insurance and risk premiums are also rising. Projects in regions perceived as high-risk may face higher financing costs or difficulty securing investment altogether. This tightening of financial conditions could further restrict the flow of capital into construction, particularly for large-scale infrastructure and commercial developments.

Despite these challenges, the report underscores that the industry is not without options. Proactive risk management is a recurring theme, with an emphasis on collaboration, innovation, and data-driven decision-making. Advanced procurement strategies, for example, can help firms secure materials earlier and at more stable prices. Meanwhile, improved data sharing across the supply chain can enhance visibility and allow companies to respond more quickly to disruptions.

Digital tools and predictive analytics are also gaining importance. By modelling different scenarios, firms can better anticipate risks and plan contingencies. This shift towards a more agile and responsive operating model could help mitigate the worst effects of geopolitical instability.

However, adopting these strategies requires a cultural shift within the industry. The traditional reactive approach—waiting for clarity before acting—is no longer sufficient in a world characterised by constant uncertainty. Instead, companies must embrace a mindset of continuous adaptation, where risk is actively managed rather than passively endured.

The potential for paralysis arises when uncertainty, rising costs, and delayed decision-making converge. If too many stakeholders adopt a cautious stance simultaneously, the entire ecosystem slows down. Projects are postponed, supply chains contract, and confidence erodes. In such a scenario, even firms that are willing to proceed may find themselves constrained by external factors beyond their control.

Ultimately, the Iran conflict serves as a stark reminder of how interconnected the construction industry is with global events. While the immediate impacts are being felt through costs and supply chains, the longer-term consequences could reshape how the sector operates. Companies that act decisively, invest in resilience, and embrace collaboration are more likely to navigate the turbulence successfully.

Those that do not, risk being caught in a cycle of hesitation and delay—one that could indeed leave the industry “paralysed” at a time when infrastructure development and economic growth are more critical than ever.

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