New Civil Engineer: The Intense Pressure of Skills Shortages Within the UK Construction Sector
March 11, 2025

Country / Territory
Related contacts
Related industries
Related contacts
Related industries
Related contacts
Related industries
By: Nadine Barnole, Skye Belger
Senior Manager Nadine Barnole and Paralegal Skye Belger explore the growing pressures faced by the UK construction sector due to severe skills shortages in a piece published in New Civil Engineer.
They highlight how the construction industry, facing a shrinking domestic workforce, is increasingly reliant on international labour to fill essential roles. However, barriers such as Brexit, high immigration costs, stricter visa requirements and rising salary thresholds have made it more difficult for employers to recruit necessary talent.
Nadine and Skye note that existing visa categories fail to meet the industry's specific needs and advocate for more tailored solutions, such as a dedicated construction visa. They also propose optimising the use of the Immigration Skills Charge to fund domestic workforce training while streamlining access to international talent—ensuring the sector can sustain long-term growth and meet critical demands.
Read more here.
Country / Territory
Related contacts
Related industries
Related contacts
Related industries
Related contacts
Related industries
Explore more at Fragomen
Media mentions
Partner K. Edward Raleigh commented on proposed changes to US entry requirements.
Video
Business Immigration Consultant Marisa Gizzi from Fragomen explains everything about the Schengen C Visa: who needs it, how to apply and key travel tips to stay compliant in the Schengen Area.
Media mentions
Partner Rick Lamanna discussed Canada’s $1B plan to attract global researchers.
Blog post
Manager Alex Hood, Senior Associate Kimberley Ong and Immigration Paralegal Ataa Rajput explain the final extension and settlement deadlines for UK Tier 1 Investor visa holders and outline who can still qualify and why early action is essential.
Media mentions
Partner K. Edward Raleigh on how the $100K H‑1B fee factors into hiring international talent.
Media mentions
Managing Director Magdalene Tennant and Director Kitty Lo highlight Hong Kong as an attractive destination for global investors.
Blog post
IPM Business Process Manager Hazel Yaman outlines key visa, work authorisation and border considerations for athletes, media, event staff and spectators travelling to Italy for the Milan–Cortina 2026 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games, including the impact of the EU’s new Entry/Exit System.
Media mentions
Corporate Services Director Elena Caron highlights key considerations for UK nationals moving to the UAE.
Media mentions
Associates Charlotte Roberts and Karina Casey highlight how the UK’s earned settlement proposal may influence global talent and HR planning.
Media mentions
Blog post
Associate Alejandro Hernandez analyses new F and J visa screening practices, including social media vetting by US consulates and proposed DHS changes that could significantly alter admission periods for students and exchange visitors.
Awards
Fragomen Ireland is accredited with IBEC’s KeepWell Mark™, recognizing the practice’s commitment to wellbeing, inclusion and responsible business.
Media mentions
Partner K. Edward Raleigh commented on proposed changes to US entry requirements.
Video
Business Immigration Consultant Marisa Gizzi from Fragomen explains everything about the Schengen C Visa: who needs it, how to apply and key travel tips to stay compliant in the Schengen Area.
Media mentions
Partner Rick Lamanna discussed Canada’s $1B plan to attract global researchers.
Blog post
Manager Alex Hood, Senior Associate Kimberley Ong and Immigration Paralegal Ataa Rajput explain the final extension and settlement deadlines for UK Tier 1 Investor visa holders and outline who can still qualify and why early action is essential.
Media mentions
Partner K. Edward Raleigh on how the $100K H‑1B fee factors into hiring international talent.
Media mentions
Managing Director Magdalene Tennant and Director Kitty Lo highlight Hong Kong as an attractive destination for global investors.
Blog post
IPM Business Process Manager Hazel Yaman outlines key visa, work authorisation and border considerations for athletes, media, event staff and spectators travelling to Italy for the Milan–Cortina 2026 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games, including the impact of the EU’s new Entry/Exit System.
Media mentions
Corporate Services Director Elena Caron highlights key considerations for UK nationals moving to the UAE.
Media mentions
Associates Charlotte Roberts and Karina Casey highlight how the UK’s earned settlement proposal may influence global talent and HR planning.
Media mentions
Blog post
Associate Alejandro Hernandez analyses new F and J visa screening practices, including social media vetting by US consulates and proposed DHS changes that could significantly alter admission periods for students and exchange visitors.
Awards
Fragomen Ireland is accredited with IBEC’s KeepWell Mark™, recognizing the practice’s commitment to wellbeing, inclusion and responsible business.

