Hundreds of Companies Sign Up for Construction Talent Retention Scheme – Now Live

HUNDREDS of construction companies have signed up to the Construction Talent Retention Scheme, which goes live today.

More than 400 employers have signed up to use the Scheme. These companies – drawn from across Britain – range from multinational engineering giants to micro businesses. Early adopters who have roles listed at launch include EDF, Balfour Beatty, and Travis Perkins.

Announced earlier this month, the Scheme is backed by Government, business organisations, professional institutions and construction unions.

The online portal allows skilled individuals to showcase their experience and expertise and helps businesses across the industry find the skills they need.

There has been strong interest in the Scheme since it was announced as part of the Chancellor of the Exchequer’s Plan for Jobs earlier this month.

Construction Minister and Construction Leadership Council co-chair Nadhim Zahawi said: “Building new homes, accelerating infrastructure, and making sure people have the right skills are all at the heart of the government’s plans to build back better from Covid-19. Launching today, this scheme will help to retain vital knowledge within the construction industry, enabling businesses to rapidly recruit talented individuals and reduce skills shortages at this pivotal time in the nation’s economic recovery.”

Andy Mitchell, Tideway CEO and Construction Leadership Council Co-Chair said: “The Talent Retention Scheme is an important element of the Council’s recovery plan for the construction sector, offering an opportunity for the industry to keep the vital skills it needs to drive growth across the UK. We welcome the fact that companies have recognised this important role, offering their support to make sure the Scheme gets off to a flying start”

The free-to-use site allows the redeployment of staff at risk of redundancy and enables temporary employee loans between businesses. It also gives displaced workers from other sectors a route to find new employment.

The platform allows companies to easily search candidates’ online profiles and CVs on a local, regional and national basis.

It allows you to promote and directly manage information about your business, services, latest vacancies, news and events to skilled workers seeking new opportunities and to contact them directly.

The site is now live and is open to both businesses and candidates looking for work.

Huge Interest

Hannah Vickers, Chief Executive of the Association for Consultancy and Engineering (ACE), said: “We’ve been really busy behind the scenes over the last couple of weeks, working collaboratively with other CLC members to help make this a reality for the good of the industry. We’re delighted in the response from employers so far, and the huge interest this has generated.

“For businesses and ACE members who have already shared that they’re interested, we will be getting in touch as soon as possible to take the next steps. You will soon be able to advertise roles and find talented and experienced people to meet your changing skills needs. Together we will help avoid the talent drain witnessed in previous recessions.”

Cautious welcome

Unite national officer for construction, Jerry Swain.

Unite national officer for the construction industry Jerry Swain said: “We are giving this scheme a cautious welcome. If operated and managed correctly, the TRS can be a major force in retaining the talent and skills at all levels that the construction industry so desperately requires.

“Construction, with more than two million workers, will be a major force in getting the post-pandemic UK economy back on track. We must do everything we can to retain our highly-prized skilled workers.

“However, we will be keeping a weathered eye on the TRS as it rolls out. We will want to ensure that what is offered is genuine employment and not simply another scam that further casulises our industry.

“We need to understand that a casual industry will never retain its talent.”