Concerns have been raised over a post-Brexit industry skills crisis should access to an EU workforce be restricted.

The Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS), the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA), the Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB) and the Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI) have written to Brexit Minister David Davis outlining the main priorities which the UK Government should take note of as exit negotiations get underway.

In the letter, the industry bodies state maintaining the free movement of labour has been "vital" to the growth and flexibility of the construction sector.


In addition to maintaining access to an EU workforce, the letter outlines five other priorities such as common strands, research excellence, infrastructure investment, devolution commitment and community development.

RICS President, Amanda Clack FRICS, said: "Recent RICS figures have shown that we are in the grip of our worst construction skills crisis in almost 20 years. There is a real concern within our industry that if access to a skilled workforce is further restricted, Britain could stop building. My colleagues and I would urge Government to keep this at the front of their minds when they come to negotiate our withdrawal from the EU.

"We know that infrastructure and construction investment is key to Britain's economic growth. The uncertainty that immediately followed the referendum outcome led to decline in economic growth, increased market volatility and a reduction in UK infrastructure investment.

"While the initial post-Brexit slump appears to have stabilised, it is important that the Government focuses on maintaining infrastructure and construction investment leading up to and after Brexit, ensuring the right conditions are in place to attract infrastructure investors in all sectors across the UK."

(LM/JP)