UK Construction Hiring Trends Q2 2026
Phoenix Gray's quarterly read on the UK construction labour market — demand by trade, regional hotspots, shortage severity, rate movements, and outlook for the second half of 2026.
Report period
Q2 2026
Trades assessed
10
Regions assessed
7
Executive Summary — Q2 2026
The UK construction labour market in Q2 2026 remains characterised by persistent structural shortages in M&E, site management, and bricklaying, with demand exceeding supply across most skilled categories. The most acute pressures are in JIB electricians and mechanical fitters, where time-to-fill is extending and rates continue to rise. London and the South East remain the most competitive markets. General labouring supply is broadly in balance in most regions. The Q3 2026 outlook anticipates continued pressure in M&E and site management, with housebuilding completions driving groundwork and bricklaying demand into Q4.
Trade-by-Trade Demand Outlook
Assessment based on Phoenix Gray placement activity, candidate pipeline, and client enquiry volume in Q2 2026.
JIB Electricians
Demand accelerating. Data centre, EV infrastructure, and residential programmes all competing for the same qualified pool. Time to fill extending to 2–4 weeks in most regions.
Mechanical Fitters / HVAC
M&E package programmes are growing faster than the qualified candidate pool. Pipefitters with ACS qualifications are particularly scarce. No near-term relief expected.
Site Managers
Demand stable but consistently above supply. SMSTS-qualified site managers with relevant sector experience are the single hardest professional-level placement. Day rates continuing to rise.
Bricklayers
Housebuilding starts are increasing. Bricklayer shortage is structural and long-running — not expected to resolve within this planning horizon. Gang-price rates rising.
Groundworkers
Infrastructure and residential demand sustaining strong groundwork volumes. Multi-skilled groundworkers with CPCS tickets are at a particular premium. Shorter time to fill than many trades.
360 Excavator Operators
Civil engineering and infrastructure programmes maintaining consistent demand. CPCS Blue Card holders in good supply relative to electricians/bricklayers but demand remains strong.
Carpenters (First Fix)
Housebuilding programmes maintain strong demand for first fix carpenters. Volume housebuilding clients are the most active. Second fix is slightly more readily available.
CSCS Labourers
Supply and demand broadly in balance for general labourers in most regions. London and South East continue to pay above national average. Demand consistent across all project types.
Plasterers / Dry-liners
Residential completion volumes down slightly in Q2 due to project handover timing. Demand expected to recover in Q3. Commercial fit-out demand stable.
Quantity Surveyors
Commercial QS market relatively stable. Demand for site-based QSs on residential and commercial programmes is consistent. Graduate QS pipeline more active than in previous years.
Regional Hiring Activity
Regional assessment based on active client requirements and candidate placement in Q2 2026.
London
Very ActiveCommercial fit-out, luxury residential, and infrastructure driving strong labour demand across all disciplines. Rate pressure remains at its most acute here.
South East (Essex, Kent, Surrey, Herts)
Very ActiveData centre construction, housebuilding, and logistics warehouse programmes all contributing to sustained high labour demand. M&E disciplines especially tight.
Midlands (Birmingham, Nottingham, Leicester)
ActiveMajor regeneration schemes and residential programmes maintaining demand. Infrastructure investment continuing to absorb plant and civils resource.
Manchester & North West
ActiveStrong commercial and residential market. Northern Powerhouse infrastructure pipeline adding medium-term demand. Rates at or near national benchmark.
Leeds & Yorkshire
ActiveResidential housebuilding and commercial investment active. Bricklayers particularly scarce relative to demand in this region.
Bristol & South West
ModerateStrong residential and commercial market in Bristol. Regional demand moderating compared to London and South East.
Scotland (Glasgow, Edinburgh)
ModerateSpecialist infrastructure and energy project demand adding to general construction activity. Rates below London but strong for Scotland.
Q3 2026 Outlook
Continued pressure areas
- JIB electricians — shortage deepening as EV and data centre programmes accelerate
- Mechanical fitters — M&E package delivery continuing to outpace candidate supply
- Site managers — passive candidates increasingly hard to approach without competitive rate offers
- Bricklayers — housebuilding completions expected to rise in Q4, bricklayer demand following
- London M&E — time-to-fill for electricians in London increasing; early engagement essential
Improving or stable outlook
- CSCS labourers — supply broadly in balance across most regions, slight improvement
- Groundworkers — pipeline improving as training output feeds through
- Second fix carpenters — supply conditions slightly easing vs Q1 2026
- Scotland — apprenticeship completions adding to pool; modest improvement in supply
- General construction — planning application volumes suggest medium-term demand strengthening
Struggling to Find the Right People?
Phoenix Gray specialises in the trades and disciplines that are hardest to fill. Talk to our team about your Q3 workforce requirements now — early engagement delivers better results.