One out of three UK construction firm workers is migrant

A research conducted by the CITB (Construction Industry Training Board), IFF Research and the Institute of Employment Research at Warwick University, reveals that 22 percent of the British firms are of the opinion that the work ethic of migrant workers is better compared to that of the locals.

Over 600 interviews were conducted to find out the role played by Overseas Workers in the construction industry. About half of construction firms in the UK capital, London, feel that their dependence on local workers is high when compared to the ones in the hinterland.

Professor Anne Green, one of the key researchers, was quoted by Scottish Construction now as saying that the UK Construction sector depends on migrant workforce, besides UK workers to satisfy the demand.

Though the research shows that 22 percent of migrant workers are general labourers, they are also present in many skilled areas. There are migrants who are architects and directors/managers/supervisors too.

The majority of the workforce comes from Poland at 39 percent, followed by Romania at 26 percent, and most of these are reside in London.

Steve Radley, director of policy at CITB, said that an exhaustive study of migration labour in construction demonstrates how employers get the flexibility to respond quickly to a variety of skill needs. He add that even as most companies do not see Brexit affecting them, companies employing migrants are apprehensive about the future availability of workers from the European Union.

If you are looking to work, migrate to the UK, get in touch with Y-Axis, a prominent immigrant consultancy firm, to apply for a visa.