In a statement this morning, the CIOB’s director for policy, external affairs and research, Eddie Tuttle, said a new government “offers the opportunity to build new relationships with policymakers and help them understand the challenges and opportunities for the sector”.

Mr Tuttle said the CIOB would look forward to working with Sir Keir Starmer’s government on its manifesto commitments, including its plans in England to build 1.5 million homes and reform the planning system.

“But to do this, we and the new government must be realistic about the challenges the construction industry is facing, notably the shrinking skills base and the ageing construction workforce, with significant numbers of workers retiring and a lack of new entrants joining,” he added.

“Our pre-election manifesto made it clear the current apprenticeship system and its funding mechanisms need reviewing as a matter of priority to make sure training is affordable and relevant.

“It must also ensure the correct incentives are in place to drive construction businesses to recruit the number of qualified professionals needed to deliver the new government’s manifesto aims.

“Without a stable pipeline of competent workers, there are significant risks to the delivery and feasibility of housing and infrastructure projects and the new government will struggle to meet its own targets along with the needs of communities up and down the country.”