The truth about construction recruitment right now: insights from the front lines

Recently, I sat down with my colleague Verity for a podcast discussion about what's really happening in construction recruitment right now. As someone who works day-in, day-out placing talent across this industry, I'm seeing firsthand how the landscape has shifted, and our conversation revealed some crucial insights for employers.

Why you need a recruiter more than ever

During our podcast, Verity made a great point: if you're hiring in construction right now, working with a specialist recruiter is essential. We're witnessing an influx of applications, particularly in the build sector where hiring managers have a significant number of CVs per job vacancy, and many applications simply aren't being viewed before roles reach the shortlist stage. When you work with us at deverellsmith, your shortlisted candidates come pre-screened and pre-interviewed, landing directly in your inbox. You're seeing only the talent that genuinely fits your requirements.

The tale of three sectors

What's fascinating about the current construction recruitment market is how differently technical, commercial, and build sectors are performing. Build roles have more candidates than vacancies, which is a consequence of project delays and restructurings.

However, technical and commercial specialists remain in high demand.  If you’re seeking a solid quantity surveyor or a technical manager with gateway experience expect fierce competition and rising construction salaries. According to recent Construction News analysis, whilst build salaries are softening, technical and commercial remuneration continues climbing.

The construction talent migration challenge

In the episode, we discussed how we're losing exceptional construction talent to international markets which are primarily the Middle East, America, and Australia. With UK height restrictions currently capped at 18 metres due to BSR regulations, ambitious professionals are drawn to mega-projects abroad, compounding the impact of the London’s existing skills shortages.

However, there's a silver lining: whilst London grapples with gateway-related challenges, the Home Counties and surrounding regions are thriving. Planning restrictions have eased, and construction continues in these areas.

Retention strategies that work

In our podcast conversation, we agreed that successful clients are prioritising transparency and pipeline visibility. Your workforce needs confidence in your company's future. Share your five-year plan, communicate upcoming projects, and demonstrate stability. In today's construction recruitment landscape, loyalty stems from security and opportunity, not just salary.

About the Podcast Guests

Tess Amongini– Senior Manager, deverellsmith

With over 7 years of specialist experience, Tess leads deverellsmith's Temp & Contract division, delivering interim talent solutions across Residential Development throughout London and the Home Counties. Her client portfolio spans major PLC housebuilders, SME developers, and leading main contractors.

Verity Hampson-Smith – Principal Consultant, deverellsmith

Specialising in permanent construction recruitment across central London's residential sector, Verity brings a people-centric approach shaped by her events and hospitality background. She's built a reputation for honest, transparent recruitment, connecting businesses with top-tier construction talent.

Frequently Asked Questions

How competitive is construction recruitment right now?

Construction recruitment is exceptionally competitive, with build roles receiving significantly more applications than available positions. Technical and commercial specialists remain in high demand, commanding premium salaries whilst site-based roles face oversupply due to project delays.

Should we increase salaries to attract construction talent?

Technical and commercial construction salaries are rising due to skills shortages, particularly for cost controllers and quantity surveyors with gateway experience. Build sector salaries are stabilising. Retention often depends more on demonstrating pipeline security and construction career progression than salary alone.

Why are construction professionals leaving the UK?

UK construction talent is migrating to the Middle East, America, and Australia, attracted by mega-projects, higher salaries, and fewer regulatory restrictions. With current 18-metre height limitations constraining UK developments, ambitious professionals seek international construction careers where large-scale projects continue.