CIOB response to the points-based immigration system
In February 2020 the UK government announced they would introduce an Immigration Bill to bring in a points-based system for those who want to work in the UK.
The new system will be implemented from January 2021 and the government will be working with the Migration Advisory Committee (MAC) and the Home Office to provide further details, including guidance regarding points tables, shortage occupations and qualifications.
The skills gap has been an uphill battle for many construction firms who have an ageing workforce and are struggling to attract and retain new talent. To help plug this gap, the industry has relied on migrant labour to deliver both small and large projects across the UK.
On 19 February 2020, the Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB) confirmed that it was pleased to see the government has provided some clarity on the future of immigration, but it remains concerned the current proposal will impact on the ability of the construction sector to function normally.
If the government decides the construction industry does not have a shortage of skills, more will need to be done to help support businesses in attracting new talent. Currently construction is not seen as an attractive career choice, with many parents discouraging their children from entering the industry due to misconceptions. In addition, there is confusion for many small business owners about how to use the apprenticeship scheme and the value it delivers.
The government needs to provide greater support and information for businesses within construction to help them gain access to the apprenticeship system in order to train up and retain new talent. Sadly, apprenticeships are not a quick fix and with the Immigration Bill coming into effect in 2021 more will need to be done to ensure we continue to have access to the skills we need.
It is still unclear whether the MAC will consider that construction has a shortage of occupations and the CIOB will continue to monitor the progress of the Bill to understand how it will affect the built environment.
--CIOB
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki
- Apprenticeships.
- Apprenticeships levy.
- BSRIA call for more vocational training.
- CIOB.
- CIOB articles.
- Civil engineering soft and digital skills.
- Construction Industry Training Board CITB.
- Diversity in the construction industry.
- Eight ways to win the fight for talent in construction.
- Engineering in the 21st century.
- National Infrastructure Plan for Skills.
- Protection for apprenticeships.
- Skills.
- Skills gap.
- Skills shortage and Brexit.
- Skills shortages lead to wages rise.
- Student resources.
- Tackling the construction skills shortage.
- UK Points-Based Immigration System 2020.
Featured articles and news
Deputy editor of AT, Tim Fraser, discusses the newly formed society with its current chair, Chris Halligan MCIAT.
Barratt Lo-E passivhaus standard homes planned enmasse
With an initial 728 Lo-E homes across two sites and many more planned for the future.
Government urged to uphold Warm Homes commitment
ECA and industry bodies write to Government concerning its 13.2 billion Warm Homes manifesto commitment.
Places of Worship in Britain and Ireland, 1929-1990. Book review.
The emancipation of women in art.
CIOB Construction Manager of the Year 2025
Just one of the winners at the CIOB Awards 2025.
Call for independent National Grenfell oversight mechanism
MHCLG share findings of Building Safety Inquiry in letter to Secretary of State and Minister for Building Safety.
The Architectural Technology Awards
AT Awards now open for this the sixth decade of CIAT.
50th Golden anniversary ECA Edmundson awards
Deadline for submissions Friday 30 May 2025.
The benefits of precast, off-site foundation systems
Top ten benefits of this notable innovation.
Encouraging individuals to take action saving water at home, work, and in their communities.
Takes a community to support mental health and wellbeing
The why of becoming a Mental Health Instructor explained.
Mental health awareness week 13-18 May
The theme is communities, they can provide a sense of belonging, safety, support in hard times, and a sense purpose.
Mental health support on the rise but workers still struggling
CIOB Understanding Mental Health in the Built Environment 2025 shows.
Design and construction material libraries
Material, sample, product or detail libraries a key component of any architectural design practice.
Construction Products Reform Green Paper and Consultation
Still time to respond as consultation closes on 21 May 2025.
Resilient façade systems for smog reduction in Shanghai
A technical approach using computer simulation and analysis of solar radiation, wind patterns, and ventilation.