UK Construction Journal - Issue 1 - April 2026 - Flipbook - Page 61
NASC warns of major scaffolding
skills gap
The UK scaffolding and access sector is facing a shortage of 40,000 skilled workers, according
to a new report published by the NASC, the UK’s leading trade body for scaffolding and access.
The NASC Skills Gap Report 2026 is based on responses
from full NASC member companies and provides the first
detailed snapshot of workforce capacity across the sector. It
found that 56% of firms currently have at least one vacancy,
with an average of 4.4 open roles per organisation. Across
NASC members alone, this equates to around 1,760
vacancies.
firms that means an equivalent of around 40,000 roles that
will need to be filled,” he said.
Demand for workers is expected to grow further in 2026.
Around 83% of NASC member organisations say they plan to
recruit this year, with scaffolders making up the largest share of
expected hires. When projected across the wider scaffolding
and access sector, NASC estimates that the industry could
face around 40,000 vacancies once retirements and normal
staff turnover are taken into account.
However, he warned that training new entrants takes time and
said the sector may also require short-term support through
migration policy so experienced scaffolders from overseas
can help meet demand while the domestic workforce pipeline
grows.
Dickin said training and education remain the long-term
solution, highlighting continued investment in CISRS training,
apprenticeships and professional development to maintain
high standards of competence and safety.
The report also points to structural challenges affecting
workforce growth. Around 7% of the current workforce
is expected to retire within the next four years, potentially
removing more than 1,400 experienced workers just from
NASC member companies. Firms also reported difficulties
recruiting qualified staff, citing economic uncertainty, pay
expectations and a lack of applicants as key barriers.
Clive Dickin, Group CEO of NASC and CISRS, said members
are already feeling the pressure.
“Our members expect almost 6,000 vacancies this year
alone and when you factor in retirements and normal staff
turnover, then across the whole sector including non-member
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