The shortage has been particularly acute in the wake of Brexit, which led to a reduction in the number of workers from the European Union entering the country.

To address this issue, the Home Office has announced that bricklayers, plasterers, roofers, and carpenters have been added to the shortage occupation list (SOL), which allows employers to recruit staff from outside the European Economic Area (EEA) if they cannot find suitable candidates within the EEA.

The move by the Home Office is a response to the recommendations made by the Migration Advisory Committee, which advises the government on immigration policy.

By adding these skilled construction workers to the SOL, the government is acknowledging the difficulty that the industry is facing in recruiting the necessary workforce.

This move will help to ease the recruitment difficulties faced by the industry, especially housebuilders, who have been struggling to find the necessary skilled labor.

The construction industry has been experiencing a significant shortage of workers, with the Office for National Statistics reporting that the industry had lost more than a third of its EU-born workforce since 2017.

With the industry facing a significant shortfall in workers, the easing of immigration rules will be welcomed by many in the sector.

However, the decision is not without controversy, with some arguing that it could lead to a reduction in the number of domestic workers in the sector.

The National Federation of Builders has welcomed the government's decision to add these skilled construction workers to the SOL, stating that foreign workers are vital to make up for the shortfall in the UK construction workforce.

However, the group also called for more training support, explaining that it takes up to three years to conclude many apprenticeships.

This highlights the need for a more comprehensive approach to addressing the skills shortage in the sector, including a focus on training and apprenticeships.

The construction industry is a crucial sector of the UK economy, and its success is vital for the government's target of building 300,000 new homes annually by the middle of the