Skills shortages ease, but still not enough plasterers

Plasterers are still the hardest trade to find, despite a general easing in skills shortages, according to Construction Confederation (CC) figures.

Latest statistics from the CC show 61% of contractors are still finding it difficult to find qualified plasterers.

But the study also showed the overall situation has improved thanks to a glut of scaffolders and labourers.

Some 84% of firms said scaffolders were "readily available", with 87% reporting a similar situation for general operatives.

A CC spokesman said: "Contractors' concerns over labour availability have eased as the sourcing of many specific site trades has improved.

"On balance, 19% of contractors report that labour difficulties had prompted them to turn down work, while 17% of firms report that labour shortages had delayed the completion of work."