<p><span>The Construction Leadership Council (CLC) has called upon the construction industry to directly employ workers to help drive better training in the sector.</span></p> <p><span>In its <i>Future Skills Report</i>, the CLC names three actions the industry should take to support a construction pipeline of more than £600 billion over the next decade, including “at least” £44 billion for housing, while combating the challenges of an ageing workforce - with 30% of the construction workforce set to retire within the next ten years - and the end <span>to</span> freedom of movement under the UK’s Brexit plans.</span></p> <p><span>With its direct employment recommendation, the CLC calls for clients to agree a code of employment whereby those contributing to a project <span>are</span> directly employed, which would prompt employers to train staff and allow them to benefit from their improved productivity. “With such a fragmented industry and high proportion of micro-businesses construction has suffered from underinvestment in training and development,” CLC pointed out.</span></p> <p><span>The report also strongly recommends that “smart construction” methods are encouraged through early design and procurement processes. CLC argues that this will create demand for skilled employees, driving employers to invest in relevant training.</span></p> <p><span>In its third action, CLC urges for industry qualifications …