Legislation and bad training cramp job prospects

Job creation in construction is being held back by poorly trained workers and onerous employment legislation, according to a new survey of construction firms by the British Chambers of Commerce.

More than half of the 42 firms questioned said they had experienced difficulties recruiting staff with required qualifications.

Those with engineering qualifications were the most likely to be recruited in the near future, but also among the hardest to find. When asked in which areas firms were likely to employ new workers, 48% identified clerical and secretarial staff as their top priority.

Half the employers questioned thought wage demands in the engineering and managerial sector were too high, although 60% said that wage costs were not a barrier to increasing employment. The single biggest factor preventing employment was low demand.

Respondents revealed a reactionary streak when asked about existing employment legislation. The abolition of statutory maternity leave was proposed by 56% and 44% felt that maternity pay should be abolished. Reform or abolition of the Race Relations Act was proposed by 52%.

Proposed employment legislation resulting from the Maastrict Treaty also caused concern, with 64% of respondents believing a minimum wage would present significant compliance problems. Half thought worker representation would also cause problems.