BRITAIN is facing a construction crisis, the Unite union’s policy conference heard today, amid calls for better wages for apprenticeships.

Unite delegate and construction worker Jimmy O’Malley moved a motion on behalf of the union’s construction sector that demanded improvements to apprentice wages.

He warned “construction is in crisis” and highlighted the scale of the challenges faced by government, which must address the housing crisis and meet the country’s needs on infrastructure and flood defences.

“Good luck with that when there is absolutely no incentive for young people to become construction workers,” Mr O’Malley said.

Calling the government “out of touch with the construction industry,” he said Unite has repeatedly warned that the skilled workforce is ageing and investment in the industry is vital.

Mr O’Malley went on to condemn the “slave wages” paid to apprentices, asking, “How do they expect young people to stay focused on their apprenticeship if they can’t live?”

He concluded that by calling on the government to “get real” and put legislation in place to improve apprenticeship wages, people would come into the industry and actually stay in it.

The motion was carried.