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The impact of multiskilling on UK's construction manpower

Proverbs, David G.; Ejohwomu, Obuks A.; Olomolaiye, Paul

Authors

David G. Proverbs

Obuks A. Ejohwomu

Paul Olomolaiye Paul.Olomolaiye@uwe.ac.uk
Pro Vice-Chancellor Equalities and Civic Engagement



Abstract

The overall significance of the construction and building services sector internationally cannot be overemphasised. In the UK, the industry currently accounts for 10% gross domestic product (GDP) and employs 2 million people, which is more than 1 in 14 of the total workforce. However, regardless of its output (approximately £65 billion annually) there has been a steady decline in the number of trade entrants into the construction and building services sector. Consequently, the available 'pool of labour' is inadequately resourced; productivity is low; the existing labour force is overstressed; there is an increase in site deaths; and a long-term labour shortage is envisaged. Today, the evidence seems to suggest that multiskilling is a tentative redress for ameliorating the skills crisis in the construction and building sectors. A 43-year time-series of data on 23 manpower attributes was evaluated as part of this investigation. The developed linear regression models show that the concept of multiskilling obeys the 'law of diminishing returns'. That is, a weak relation was found between construction output and a three or more combination of manpower attributes. An optimisation model is prescribed for traditional trades.

Citation

Proverbs, D. G., Ejohwomu, O. A., & Olomolaiye, P. (2008). The impact of multiskilling on UK's construction manpower. Proceedings of the ICE - Management, Procurement and Law, 161(1), 25-30. https://doi.org/10.1680/mpal.2008.161.1.25

Journal Article Type Article
Publication Date Jan 5, 2008
Journal Proceedings of Institution of Civil Engineers: Management, Procurement and Law
Print ISSN 1751-4304
Electronic ISSN 1751-4312
Publisher Thomas Telford
Peer Reviewed Peer Reviewed
Volume 161
Issue 1
Pages 25-30
DOI https://doi.org/10.1680/mpal.2008.161.1.25
Keywords impact, multiskilling, UK, construction, manpower
Public URL https://uwe-repository.worktribe.com/output/1029701
Publisher URL http://www.thomastelford.com/