NSCC survey offers mixed results

17/08/2011 09:36:31

 

An industry survey has predicted that specialist contractors face a bumpy ride over the coming years.

The latest NSCC State of Trade Survey has shown that enquiries and orders remained low during the second quarter as the impact of the latest budget cuts sink in.

However the report did highlight certain signs of optimism, with the number of respondents working at capacity going from 47% in the first quarter to more than 75% in the second.

But the research also showed that many contractors are having difficulty finding people with the necessary skills - such as cladding. Some 19% reported difficulties with recruitment, against just 8% during the first quarter.

The knock on-effect of this is seing nearly one in 10 specialist contractors unable to bid for work.

However the NSCC has said that it is focused on increasing the number of apprentices from the 3% seen this quarter through improved training programmes.

Copyright Press Association 2011

 

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