Construction industry cannot rely on foreign workers, says housing minister

The housing minister has called for more British workers in construction, saying the sector cannot ‘rely’ on a foreign workforce. (Gareth Fuller/PA) - (PA Archive)

Britain cannot rely on overseas construction workers to deliver the Government’s target of building 1.5 million homes, the housing minister has said.

While acknowledging that foreign workers would “play a role” in construction, Matthew Pennycook said on Friday that vacancies in the industry would have to be filled by “people that live in this country”.