Mark Reynolds
Mace chief executive Mark Reynolds has branded the decision by the Migration Advisory Committee (MAC) not to add construction managers, project managers and quantity surveyors to the government’s shortage occupation list as “unfortunate”.
He made the comments in reaction to news of the MAC’s first review of the shortage occupation list since 2013, in which it acknowledged that the construction sector requires “careful consideration” when it comes to the future of the UK immigration system.
Reynolds, who is also skills workstream lead at the Construction Leadership Council (CLC), said: “We are pleased that they now accept that there is a special case for medium-skilled construction workers to be included in a future list as we face an increasing recruitment and skills challenge.”
He also expressed satisfaction that the MAC recognised that construction is increasing the amount of time spend on training and up-skilling of the existing workforce “more than any other sector”.
But he added: “It is unfortunate that they have not yet decided to add construction managers, project managers and quantity surveyors to the shortage list despite our representations. As our immigration system changes in response to our exit from the EU, it is important that we secure a regime that does not disadvantage our industry and allows us to deliver the homes, schools, hospitals and infrastructure that the public are crying out for.
“Following our meetings with Home Office officials and minister, we will be seeking a further meeting with the Migration Advisory Council to ensure they fully understand the issues we face and so that we can work towards a solution to our challenges.”
