The Federation of Craftspeople and the Chamber of Skilled Trades and Crafts have expressed their alarm at the current state of the construction industry.
While they acknowledge the positive impact of government interventions, they stress that these measures alone cannot compensate for the lack of private investment in construction.
Recognising the urgency of the situation, efforts are underway to develop a job retention plan aimed at safeguarding the approximately 20,000 individuals employed in the sector.
Many companies in the industry find themselves on the brink of collapse, with bankruptcies looming and thousands of jobs hanging in the balance. In fact, the number of bankruptcies has already reached unprecedented levels not seen in over three decades.
To complement this proposed plan, which is currently undergoing negotiations, the craft sector is advocating for the implementation of a more flexible working hours regulation. They also stress the need for an energy transition strategy that considers the industry's capabilities and ensures its ability to adapt.
At the moment, the Federation of Craftspeople represents approximately 8,000 companies employing around 100,000 workers.
