The skills shortage is the reason behind the conduction industry’s rising pay rates, according to software and service supplier Engage.
Director Drey Francis says that the lack of skilled workers in the industry has led to a rise in wages, as “employers use financial incentives to source the professionals they need to do the job”.
According to Engage’s data, 2015-18 saw an 82% increase in pay rates for Crawler Crane operators.
In the same time period, elevating work platform operators saw a 77% increase in pay rates, and electrical testers a 66% increase.
This comes as the latest Glenigan figures [link to our article] show a drop in construction activity and in the value of new construction projects.
Francis said: “Given the current drop in project contracts, this increase in pay is certainly a worry for employers who will have to juggle resourcing needs and strict budgets.
“However, while the likes of Crawler Crane operators can currently demand higher wages, firms can streamline costs elsewhere – through more efficient administrative reporting and timesheet monitoring systems – to better ensure their business withstands this slow period.”
