Without teachers, learning delays. Without police, law and order crumbles. And without scaffolders…well, what would happen?
More than likely, injury and fatality rates would skyrocket within the construction industry as working from height would become significantly more dangerous without professionally constructed stable platforms. Many buildings may fail safety standards, become a hazard to the occupants inside, or fall into disrepair caused by the lack of restoration and renovations taking place due to the increased dangers of working from height.
Not to mention the legal issues!
So, what do the statistics say?
An article published by Construction News reported that as of [1]September 2022, there were around 34,000 scaffolding operatives employed across 6,000+ businesses throughout the U.K. Alongside this, the Construction Industry Training Board (CITB) has predicted that at least [2]200 competent scaffolders will need to be recruited annually to meet construction demands, and this number is only set to increase.
So, while it’s evident that scaffolders play a crucial role in infrastructure development and safety, with the demand for them so high, why is there a labour shortage?
Lack of Interest: Figures released by [3]YouGov illustrated that only 3% of young people aged between 18-24 showed interest in a profession within the construction industry.
Scaffolding is physically demanding which makes many young people opt for less strenuous careers with “better” perks like remote working. With more job opportunities and easier networking compared to 50 years ago, youngsters are keeping their options open for alternative career paths.
An Ageing Workforce: The National Access & Scaffolding Confederation (NASC) has stated that a significant proportion of scaffolders are over the age of [4]50, with many approaching retirement age. Partner this with the lack of recruits, and labour shortages are inevitable.
Skills Shortage: In January 2025, NASC estimated that there were currently [5]1,200 unfilled scaffolding roles nationwide.
Their CEO, Clive Dickin commented, “The talent shortage is a major barrier to achieving good growth with the U.K economy.”
Scaffolders require the ability to read and interpret technical drawings and follow safety procedures while calculating load capacities. In other words, a good level of maths and literacy is required. However, it is reported a significant portion of the workforce may struggle with these types of skill sets.
Mental Health Factors: In recent years, the scaffolding and construction industry has seen a surge in mental health struggles among its workers. In a [6]2023 report released by Lighthouse, The Construction Charity, illustrated that 4,435 calls were made to their 24/7 helpline, with 3,979 online and face-to-face counselling support sessions delivered.
What also stuck out was that 5,411 emergency meals were delivered, showcasing the much wider and complex problems men and women within the industry are facing.
Comparing this to the statistics released in 2021, 2,777 calls were made to their 24/7 helpline with 233 people receiving counselling.
Analysing the figures for 2021 against those published in 2023 reveals these statistics have almost doubled within two years, demonstrating the worrying and vastly growing matter which the scaffolding and construction industry faces.
Challenges such as high-pressure projects, physically demanding tasks, combined with long hours, working away from home, financial struggles, and difficulties in maintaining family and children relations, put a lot of people off the profession or leave the profession altogether.
Many more factors are a cause for concern, and need to be addressed, which begs the important question;
How do we overcome these challenges?
Raising Awareness of the Benefits: Sure, scaffolding has its cons, just like any other job, but with the rise of young people opting for other career roots, giving them a reason to consider the scaffolding industry is crucial.
Showcasing the benefits of a career in scaffolding, whether through career fairs or by promoting these advantages in job centres, can help paint a clearer, more inspiring picture of the trade. This approach will not only attract more people to the industry but also highlight the exciting opportunities and rewards of being a scaffolder.
More Incentives: It’s not just about competing with other scaffolding or construction companies, with the increase in job opportunities, it’s about competing with other industries.
Offering more incentives and benefits may increase a real drive in achieving recruits and maintaining current workers. A bonus scheme, high-street discounts, increased annual leave with service, free health care, discounts on equipment, training scheme/opportunities, flexible working options, and increased pay after 6 months of starting, are just a few examples of incentive packages that workers may appreciate.
More Support for Ageing Workers: Encouraging continuous development and progression for older workers increases a more inclusive and positive work environment. Older workers tend to feel unheard, or unseen compared to the younger generation so it’s important to foster such ambitions while creating opportunities for learning and growth.
As physical strength and body ailments become evident as the body gets older, scaffolding can be a little more challenging for older workers. Therefore, it’s important that this is recognised and workers are offered full support once over a certain age.
Therefore, flexible working options and policies must be discussed to help cater to these needs to help promote a healthier workforce.
Advanced Training for Young People: Introducing new benefits for young people such as allowing them to gain a qualification in Maths and English if they failed to achieve it in school, can slowly assist in training youngsters in their ability to read and interpret technical drawings, follow safety procedures while calculating load capacities.
Investing in the long-term development of the workforce by offering such opportunities like training courses, as well as hearing how they want to develop, can impact them positively by boosting their attitude and ambition.
Setting clear career goals can have a huge impact on morale and motivation. Providing each worker with a personalized visual career path not only helps guide them in the right direction but also educates them on the different opportunities available. This approach ensures they feel supported and empowered to take the next step in their scaffolding career.
Increased Mental Health Support: A designated Mental Health First Aider on the team with a discretionary role may help encourage workers to talk more openly about the struggles they are facing.
As a company, simply talking about the importance of Mental Health and asking for help can make workers feel at ease knowing that their employers deeply care about such issues.
Providing important helplines, apps, and support services located within the local area is important.
If firms can do so, offering workers several free counselling sessions (e.g. 20 per year for themselves and family) will also help encourage workers to talk and get the help that they need.
Make it Visible OnSite is a free service provided by Lighthouse Construction Company Charity where they visit sites across the U.K. and Ireland to raise awareness of mental health. This allows workers to talk comfortably about such topics and ask for help confidentially if they need to. Booking this service for an onsite visit on an annual basis will ensure employees, plus new starters, are always aware of the available help and have the necessary tools to reach out, for themselves and family.
Small Changes Can Mean BIG Positives
The current government has set a target for [7]1.5 million new homes to be built in the U.K. However, it is evident that more individuals will need to be recruited and trained within the scaffolders industry for this target to be met.
Clive Dickin, the CEO of NASC, commented on the matter, “We have 1200 vacancies currently. Adding extra demand into that is naturally going to be a challenge, but we will step up. However, it will be a challenge to hit targets, not just within scaffolding and access, but I would suggest in broader sectors. It's something that causes concern."
Adaptability is important. The working world is adjusting to adapt to a changing workforce and it’s important to modify traditional working ways where possible to appeal to a new generation of employees. As well as this, it’s paramount that more investments are made in such a demanding industry.
Until then, small changes can be implemented by firms (where possible) to start to encourage new starters, increase morale, and introduce further benefits to maintain current workers.
It’s definitely a discussion to be had and we’re very interested in hearing your thoughts. What do you think?
[2] https://www.nationalscaffoldingweek.com/how-big-is-scaffolding
[4] https://nasc.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/NASC-Magazine-September2024_FINALDIGITAL.pdf
[6] https://www.lighthouseclub.org/reports-accounts/
[7] Angela Rayner's 1.5m new homes target at risk amid scaffolder shortage | UK | News | Express.co.uk
