Labour’s 1.5 Million Homes Target: Why Infrastructure Jobs and Skilled Construction Professionals Hold the Key 

The new Labour government has committed to building 1.5 million new homes in England by 2029, and optimism is returning to the housing sector. But one of the biggest questions remains unanswered, who will build these homes, how will this effect infrastructure jobs and how will the supporting infrastructure keep pace? 

At Atkins Search Recruitment, we work with employers across the built environment, sourcing skilled professionals in construction, infrastructure, and consultancy. As the government pushes ahead with ambitious housing goals, we believe success depends those on working within the built environment. 

Let’s take a look at the infrastructure challenge behind the 1.5 million homes target and how we can help connect the right talent with the right opportunities. 

The Hidden Cost of Housing Delivery: Infrastructure Jobs

New homes do not exist in isolation. Each development also needs: 

• Roads and utilities 

• Healthcare facilities 

• Schools, parks and community spaces 

• Public transport links 

These elements fall under master development infrastructure, which is needed for communities to function. A typical lower-density scheme of 4,000 homes might require tens of millions in infrastructure spending before a single house is built. 

Government targets often focus on the headline number of homes, but it is the planning, funding and delivery of supporting infrastructure that will define whether the goal is achieved. 

Planning Reform: Acceleration or Ambition? 

The government has responded to planning delays with major reforms. The new Planning and Infrastructure Bill introduces: 

• Strategic spatial development strategies 

• Greater delegation to planning officers 

• Local authorities setting their own planning fees 

• Faster compulsory purchase processes 

• Environmental Delivery Plans funded through a national Nature Restoration Fund 

These reforms aim to speed up applications and unblock thousands of stalled sites. This is a huge a welcome move for developers, contractors and investors. 

At Atkins Search, we are already seeing increased demand for: 

• Planning officers and consultants 

• Infrastructure engineers 

• Transport and environmental specialists 

This means more jobs and long-term projects for professionals who want to shape the future of the built environment. 

Shortage in Infrastructure Jobs: 60,000 more construction workers to be trained by 2029 to meet housing targets

One of the biggest barriers to achieving housing targets is the construction skills gap. Even with planning reform, we need enough qualified professionals to deliver on the ground.  In her Budget speech  last autumn, Chancellor Rachel Reeves confirmed that the government is committed to building 1.5 million “safe and decent” homes over the next five years. 

Ahead of the Spring Statement, she has announced £600m worth of investment to train up to 60,000 more skilled construction workers.

The industry is facing shortages across key roles, including: 

• Site managers and project leaders 

• Quantity surveyors 

• Design and civil engineers 

• Health and safety professionals 

• Skilled trades and technical staff 

Over the last decade, the number of people entering the industry has dropped, and as a result, recruiting top talent is more competitive than ever.  The latest ONS figures show that there are over 35,000 job vacancies, and employers report that over half of vacancies cannot be filled due to a lack of required skills.

At Atkins Search, we work closely with employers to help them: 

• Attract talent from within and beyond the region 

• Retain high-performing employees 

• Build long-term recruitment strategies aligned with delivery goals

Education Secretary, Bridget Phillipson said:
Skills are crucial to this government’s mission to grow the economy under our Plan for Change, and nowhere is that clearer than in the construction industry.
We are being held back by the largescale skills shortages in the construction sector which is a major barrier to the delivery of the growth mission.
These measures will break down barriers to opportunity for thousands of young people, helping them to thrive in – and build – their local communities.

Small Builders and the Supply Chain Squeeze 

Smaller housebuilders have a vital role to play in hitting housing targets, but they are often hit hardest by: 

• Delays in materials 

• Price surges 

• Labour shortages 

These issues slow delivery and put pressure on SME contractors, threatening the diversity and resilience of the housing supply chain. 

We support SMEs and regional developers by connecting them with project-ready professionals who can keep timelines on track and quality high even when they’re under pressure. 

Will Buyers Keep Up with Supply? 

Government support for supply is crucial, but without buyer demand, the chain breaks down. First-time buyers continue to face: 

• High mortgage rates 

• Inflation-related cost of living pressures 

• Affordability gaps 

This affects developers’ confidence to build and sell at scale. More homes mean more choice, but only if people can afford to buy. 

While we cannot solve the macroeconomic challenges, we can help developers and consultancies find the professionals needed to optimise project viability, sales, and design standards in a shifting market. 

How Atkins Search Supports Housing Growth and Infrastructure Job Opportunities

As specialist recruiters in the built environment, we are proud to support both public and private sector organisations shaping the future of UK housing. Our team provides: 

• Tailored recruitment for construction, planning and infrastructure 

• Deep expertise in residential and regeneration projects 

• Long-term talent partnerships across the East Midlands and beyond 

• Support for SMEs, contractors, consultants and local authorities 

Whether you’re scaling up for a major project or adapting to new planning requirements, we can help you build the team you need to deliver. 

Labour’s housebuilding goal is bold. Success depends on smart planning, efficient infrastructure, and most importantly, skilled professionals to bring it to life. 

At Atkins Search, we specialise in connecting those professionals with the employers who need them. If your team is expanding to meet demand or you are looking for a more meaningful role in housing and infrastructure, we are ready to help. 

Get in touch today to find out how we can support your journey. 

Explore our current opportunities today! 

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FAQs  

What infrastructure jobs are in demand due to the 1.5 million homes target? 

We are seeing high demand for site managers, engineers, planners, project managers and surveyors across infrastructure and residential delivery. 

Will planning reforms increase infrastructure jobs? 

Yes. Planning reforms are unlocking stalled projects, increasing the need for professionals across planning, engineering and project leadership. 

What if there aren’t enough workers to deliver new homes? 

This is a key concern. Atkins Search helps tackle workforce shortages by recruiting from active and passive markets, including relocation candidates and returners. 

Do you support small and medium-sized housebuilders? 

Absolutely. We work with regional developers and subcontractors, providing recruitment services that scale to their project needs. 

Where does Atkins Search operate? 

We are based in the East Midlands and recruit across Nottingham, Derby, Leicester, Birmingham and the wider UK. 

At Atkins Search, we specialise in connecting those professionals with the employers who need them. If your team is expanding to meet demand or you are looking for a more meaningful role in housing and infrastructure, we are ready to help.