Labour shortage in construction affecting deadlines

The Malta Employers' Association (MEA) has expressed concern over the chronic shortage of labour in the construction industry.

It said it has been receiving reports from major building contractors that they were finding it impossible to recruit staff, in spite of spending entire days interviewing prospective candidates from among the unemployed.

"There are clear indications that many of those registering for work are not really motivated to have legitimate productive employment in spite of favourable working conditions being offered by the industry," the association said.

The MEA said the construction industry was also concerned with the delays in the processing of working permits for foreign workers to take up the jobs that are available. In many cases, it said, contractors were unable to meet deadlines and commitments with their clients because of this situation.

"It is regrettable that the industry has no recourse but to offer jobs that are available to Maltese nationals to foreign workers who are more than willing to take up these job opportunities. In the meantime, there are many who are breaking the law by enjoying welfare benefits and working in the informal economy, either on their own or with smaller contractors," the MEA said.

The MEA called for this problem to be addressed through stricter monitoring of the registered unemployed to curb abuse of welfare benefits and to expedite the processing of applications of foreigners to work in this important sector.