Back in 2018, I took part in a panel discussion at a construction industry event. I quoted an Employer Skills Survey statistic which said that around 50% of the construction sector were worried about skills shortages. One of the other panelists – who was from the sector himself – responded by saying “the other 50% are deluding themselves”.

Fast forward four years and the situation is even more acute. We know from our Construction Network that with the loss of a migrant European workforce post Brexit, both skilled and unskilled workers are at a premium. Companies need effective recruitment strategies to attract in new talent, but they also need to retain the talent that already exists within their organisations.

When it comes to retention, understanding the impact of acquired disability on the construction workforce is particularly important. Contrary to popular belief, most disabilities are not present from birth. The vast majority (83%) are actually acquired while a person is in work, and the likelihood of acquiring a disability increases with age.