Review calls for industry modernisation
An independent review which aims to find solutions to the construction industry’s structural problems has been published today. Led by Mark Farmer, the Farer Review examines the construction labour model and suggests it has given rise to underinvestment in training and development, a lack of innovation, and issues in raising productivity.
It concludes that workforce attrition, exacerbated by an ageing workforce, means that there is now a fundamental imperative for change and challenges the industry to begin doing things differently e.g. by working to reduce demand for on-site labour.
Discussing the report, industry minister, Jesse Norman commented: “This Government is determined to support more housebuilding, more quickly and in the places people want to live. Given the launch of the £3 billion Home Building Fund, Mark Farmer’s important review in this vital sector is very timely. It makes a strong case for change in the industry, identifies areas where it needs to improve, and sets out areas for action. We will now carefully consider his recommendations.”