Quantity surveyors and project managers have been included in the Government’s strict new ‘shortage occupation’ list which targets migrant skilled labour in areas of short supply.

The government said the list, compiled by its Migration Advisory Committee, and its proposals for an Australian-style points system for determining migration would bring in a ‘more flexible, larger set of work categories’

RICS policy officer Damian Cleghorn said: ‘We are pleased that, having pushed for the inclusion of project managers and the maintenance of quantity surveyors on the UK National Shortage Occupation List, the government has recognised this very real need to fill an important skills gap that still exists in the current economic downturn.

‘It is essential that the government has a sufficient number of project managers in place to deliver its housing and infrastructure priorities.

Targets

'Failure to adequately address this skills gap could ultimately mean that the government is unable to meet its housing target of 3m new homes by 2020.’

He said the inclusion of quantity surveyors has been deemed to be necessary as during the next 10 years, a minimum of 18% of the most qualified section of the market will retire.

‘The effect this will have on major infrastructure projects is quite straightforward, unless there are sufficient quantity Surveyors and project managers in place, the government will not be able to deliver initiatives such as Crossrail and airport expansion.

‘However we hope that the government will take sufficient action in order to prevent future shortfalls, including measures to encourage more people to train as project managers at every level, not just as apprentices but also those already established in a career who may want a change.’

The final list will be published by the Home Office next month.