Builders facing skills shortage

Unemployment in the eastern region has risen on the previous quarter but the construction industry is struggling with a skills shortage

The 5.8% unemployment rate is well below the national average but the number out of work has gone up by 7,000 to 183,000, bucking the national trend.

Despite those figures builders are struggling to find enough workers. Many skilled craftsmen who left during the recession have not come back.

One senior house builder says unless that changes, desperately needed homes will not be built.