A total of 72 per cent of construction personnel have considered or will have to consider emigrating from Ireland according to a survey conducted by Construction Jobs Expo, which takes place in Croke Park, Dublin, on May 11.
Almost three-quarters (70 per cent) of those employed in the construction sector think the government is not doing enough to bridge the skills gap within the construction industry.
A little more than 40 per cent of people say the industry was not treated fairly by the government during the downturn despite one quarter disagreeing, leaving the 35 per cent of respondents conflicted.
Following on from the recession, 61 per cent of people say the conditions within the sector are getting better with 36 per cent of respondents saying that positive fiscal trends seen in the construction sector at present are likely to continue for three to five years while a little less than 10 per cent say they will not continue into the near future.
54% actively seeking a new position
A little more than half (54 per cent) are actively seeking a new position. Most say salary (44 per cent), followed closely by a good working environment, are the most important factors when it comes to looking for a job.
A total of 57 per cent of construction workers have applied for a job in the United Kingdom, despite the uncertainty of Brexit while 13 per cent have said Brexit has negatively impacted their career.
And 70 per cent of construction personnel believe there are not enough opportunities for women within the sector. Half of the respondents say the industry would benefit from having more women on board.
Sponsored by Glenveagh Properties PLC and organised by Careers Unlimited and BCS Sales Recruitment, Construction Jobs Expo is the first careers exhibition of its type and signals the return of high demand for skilled labour in Ireland.