London Olympics needs 182,000 workers
Thu 28 Feb 2008
28/02/2008
The construction industry needs an additional 182,000 workers so it can complete preparations for the London Olympics in 2012. The Construction Skills Network has estimated it needs the extra workers to build stadiums, roads, and transport schemes. Its chairman, Sir Michael Latham told the BBC: "We've identified the scale of skills needs by project and region over the coming years. "Now it is essential that we work with employers and training providers to put in place the right practical, on-site training that will help local people get the skills they need to fill local job vacancies." The network says demand will peak in 2011 and its projected workforce includes 122,000 bricklayers, 161,000 painters, 211,000 electricians and 189,000 plumbers. There have been ongoing concerns about the escalating cost of the Olympics – a media centre in the park is reported to now cost the Olympic Delivery Authority £400,000, three times the original agreed amount.
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