85,000 building workers still out of work as FF calls for stimulus plan

Some 85,000 construction workers or tradespeople are still out of work since the dramatic property crash — and that’s not including the many who have emigrated. 

The figure includes 55,000 builders, around 600 architects or surveyors and 6,000 woodworkers who are currently claming the dole.

A further 22,000 workers in building-related trades are on welfare, including more than 3,000 electricians, 3,000 engineers and 2,400 fitters, according to figures provided by the Department of Social Protection.