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{{propApi.successMessage}} {{region}} Change locationRed tape and skills shortages stall builder hiring despite housing boom
Red tape and skills shortages stall builder hiring despite housing boom
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“HIA research shows 73% of members surveyed do not expect to employ more staff this financial year, with only 27% planning to increase their workforce,” said HIA Managing Director, Jocelyn Martin.
“Builders are ready to bring more people into the industry, including apprentices and skilled trades, but current conditions make it difficult to do so with confidence. This is about managing risk and capacity, not a lack of work or willingness to employ.”
According to HIA, 67% of small business members report difficulties recruiting or retaining skilled staff and trades, while 56% say they have had to redirect staff time to manage regulatory and compliance requirements.
“These results contrast with more positive employment expectations in other sectors, highlighting the unique pressures facing residential construction,” Ms Martin said.
“Training apprentices and developing skills takes time, stability and certainty. When businesses are dealing with delayed approvals, inconsistent regulation and rising costs such as insurance and workers compensation, it becomes much harder to invest in long-term workforce development.
“The administrative and compliance burden for hiring, managing and training apprentices is also disproportionally higher on small businesses, which don’t have dedicated a human resource manager.
“When asked about the current pressures facing their business, the availability and the cost of skilled labour both ranked in the top 5 issues, at 62% and 61% respectively.
“HIA is calling for streamlined planning systems, reduced regulatory duplication, and stronger skills pathways to give builders the confidence to hire, train and retain more workers.
“Getting these settings right is essential if we are serious about increasing housing supply. With the right policy environment, the home building industry can strengthen its skilled workforce, grow employment and play a leading role in addressing Australia’s housing needs,” Ms Martin concluded.
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