These are the building trade's missing specialists

New research has revealed the extent of the skills shortage in the UK's building industry, with 66 per cent of small firms admitting they have been forced to turn down new business owing to a lack of resources.

The survey, which was conduced by the Federation of Master Builders, found that the main reason for the widespread shortage is the difficulty in finding new apprentices. These are the areas where the biggest shortages occur:

1. Bricklayers

2. Carpenters/joiners

3. Plasterers

4. General construction operatives

5. Plumbers and heating engineers

6. Roofers

7. Painters and decorators

8. Electricians

9. Ground workers

10. Floorers

More: How not to demolish a building