While the construction industry doesn’t ever really slow down in the summer the way it might have in years gone by, we definitely still see a bit of a surge when it comes to recruitment in the sector at this time of year.

As the natural break provided by summer holidays ends and people start to consider their options for the new calendar year, it is noticeable that in September we see both more hiring activity and applications in construction.

I was encouraged to see that the FMB’s latest SME State of Trade Survey shows that all key measures of performance in the sector were up in the first half of this year.

The survey, which for the first time has been delivered in collaboration with the Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB) monitors key indicators and predicts future short-term developments for micro and SME building firms, which make up much of the industry in Northern Ireland and the rest of the UK.

These key indicators include workloads, enquiries and employment and the latest report shows that all regions and nations recorded increases, with workloads in Northern Ireland up 36% in November compared with the previous six months and enquiries about new work increasing a massive 64% in NI.

While every major sector saw growth, the rise in workloads and enquiries was driven by a jump in house building workloads and repair, maintenance and improvement (RMI) projects.

Gavin McGuire, director of FMB in Northern Ireland says the positive feedback from the industry conveys a sense of cautious optimism in the sector.

“Certainly, in looking back over the last decade, those figures represent some good news and green shoots particularly for the RMI market here. It will be interesting to see if those enquiries and workloads can keep rolling out throughout the rest of 2025 and see that optimism become a reality,” he said.

One of the big challenges, which I’ve touched on many times in my Specify articles, is that of skills shortages. While it is not a new problem, it is interesting to see in the latest survey focusing exclusively on small and medium-sized firms throughout the construction sector – 458 across the UK – that the issue remains serious.

The figures showed a hugely encouraging 39% increase in employment. However, around a third of companies also reported they were still finding it hard to recruit skilled trades like carpenters, roofers and plumbers.

Almost two thirds have found it hard to hire staff with knowledge of the new building safety regime and almost as many said it was difficult to find people with skills in modern sustainable building practices and new technologies.

Most tellingly, the survey revealed that over 60% of firms were affected by skilled labour shortages, resulting in job delays for nearly half of them and cancellations for almost a quarter.

“Those are figures which help us all focus the mind towards improving skills and recruitment,” says Gavin McGuire.

“With positive figures, comes a realisation for the contractors trying to deliver those projects. FMB, continue to work with our industry partners and key stakeholders to help provide the people to deliver.

“Viable and supportive programs need to be in place for the many SME’s who are sacrificing time and resources to help train the next generation of staff. As well as provide the help to upskill existing workforces as the industry adapts to new legislation and changes.”

From our work with FMB, CIOB and the other industry representative groups we are well aware of the other challenges facing construction companies at present, including increased materials costs, new legislation, slow planning processes and difficulties getting payment.

But with housebuilding in Northern Ireland seeing its busiest quarter in seven years in the second quarter of 2025, there are also reasons to be upbeat.

Over half of the construction businesses surveyed by FMB and CIOB said they have a positive outlook for the second half of 2025 and the majority of the rest being neutral in their outlook.

It’s clear the industry remains resilient and adaptable to changing market conditions and Hays is ready to support them through this year’s September surge.