Success of UK infrastructure strategy relies on a skilled workforce, says Prospect

The publication of the UK government’s 10 Year Infrastructure Strategy is welcome as it gives industry the certainty they need to plan and invest, says Prospect but cautions that a skilled workforce will be needed to deliver.

The policy document, UK Infrastructure: A 10 Year Strategy, is the government’s vision for the building and delivery of economic, housing and social infrastructure that will help to boost living standards and drive growth.

It includes £9bn over the next decade to renovate and modernise schools, hospitals and other public sector buildings. There are also planning reforms for delivery of major infrastructure projects.

Mike Clancy, Prospect General Secretary, responding to the UK Infrastructure Strategy, said:

“Long term infrastructure planning is sorely needed to give industry the certainty it requires to invest and plan so this strategy is welcome.

“In order to realise the goals of the strategy we need to look at ways to increase public investment, for example by allowing the National Wealth Fund to borrow to invest in infrastructure.

“The success of the strategy relies heavily on a skilled workforce to do the required work. That means it must be accompanied by an ambitious skills plan, and a pipeline which delivers not only the entry-level skills we need but the future job prospects necessary for a mature workforce.”