Brexit gridlock could cripple construction

March 22, 2019

The NFB is seriously concerned about the consequences of leaving the EU without a withdrawal agreement.

Leaving without well-defined transitional arrangements will leave the construction industry worse off than the financial crisis of 2008, which saw the industry losing more than 250,000 skilled workers.

With the UK currently importing 90% of its timber from the EU, construction SMEs will likely have to pay VAT upfront before receiving the material in the event of a no-deal Brexit. This could potentially lead to cash flow issues and delays in building homes at a time when the UK is still facing the most acute housing crisis since the end of the Second World War.

Richard Beresford, chief executive of the NFB, said: “With all the uncertainty surrounding the Brexit process, the construction industry needs politicians to work together and provide a clear direction so that businesses can plan ahead at a time when the country is suffering from an acute skills shortage.”

National Federation of Builders

The National Federation of Builders is a United Kingdom trade association representing the interests of small and medium-sized building contractors in England and Wales.

You May Also Enjoy

affordable houses glasgow
Breaking News

Consistent support for apprenticeships helps construction

The Government has announced a £725 million package of reforms to the apprenticeship system, including £140m for a Mayoral pilot programme. Richard Beresford, Chief Executive of the National Federation of Builders (NFB), said: “The consistent messaging from politicians that apprenticeships should be valued as highly as degrees is fantastic and will be of great benefit…
Read More →
Christmas Decorations - Good or Bad for Selling
Estate Agent Talk

6 tips for a stress-free Christmas move

With an average of 87,000 home sales taking place during the month of December, Property DriveBuy has compiled practical advice for those due to complete this festive season, a time already known for being one of the busiest and most emotionally charged periods of the year. Despite this bringing the potential for a more stressful…
Read More →
new build homes colchester essex
Estate Agent Talk

Why 2026 could be the year the market turns

How policy, land and confidence will shape the recovery By Tim Foreman, Managing Director of Land and New Homes, LRG In property sales there are people who need to move and people who want to move. In the last few years, only those who have had to move have been active. Once conditions improve, those…
Read More →
Estate Agent Talk

Why Dumpster Rentals Simplify DIY Kitchen Demolition Projects

Taking on a DIY kitchen demolition project can be both exciting and overwhelming. Whether you’re updating your kitchen’s layout, replacing old cabinets, or knocking down walls, the demolition phase generates a significant amount of debris—everything from broken tiles and drywall to old cabinets and countertops. Managing this waste efficiently is crucial to keeping your project…
Read More →
Breaking News

Zoopla’s 2025 Year in Property: Rural dreams, fastest moving markets and an optimistic end to the year

It’s been a popular year for rural living, with a three-bed detached home in South-West Wales taking the top spot for the most viewed property. The average time to sell in 2025 was 38 days, up from 35 days in 2024. Three-bed terraced properties were the most popular property type. Falkirk in Scotland remains the…
Read More →
Christmas Decorations - Good or Bad for Selling
Breaking News

87,000 transactions set to complete in December

Here’s 6 tips for a stress-free Christmas move With an average of 87,000 home sales taking place during the month of December, Property DriveBuy has compiled practical advice for those due to complete this festive season, a time already known for being one of the busiest and most emotionally charged periods of the year. Despite…
Read More →