Widespread labour shortages have emerged within the construction and engineering industries in Europe that threaten to stunt growth in key growing real estate sectors such as data centres and life sciences.

Global construction consultant Linesight has warned that significant gaps can be seen with trades such as bricklayers, carpenters and joiners. Plumbers, pipefitters and building electricians also rank within the top 10 labour scarcities. These shortages, particularly the lack of mechanical, electrical and plumbing trades, could limit progress in high-tech and “mission critical” sectors where construction demand is high and there is a limited pool of these particular skillsets.

Overall, 480,000 to 1.5 million additional workers are needed in the building construction and energy renovation sector between now and 2030, according to Linesight. And 1.26 million additional job vacancies will appear in the sector due to Europe’s ageing workforce.

In a March 20