Labour shortage threatens target of 40,000 new homes each year, builders warn

The Construction Industry Federation also want the planning process streamlined

Stephen Garvey, CEO of housebuilder Glenveagh said: "We are going to have to double output and if you double output you are going to have to double labour."

A labour and skills shortage in the construction industry is placing the goal of 40,000 new homes a year under threat, builders have warned.

The Construction Industry Federation's annual conference heard yesterday that the sector was at full capacity and that more than 11,000 new workers are required to meet the growing demand.