The UK scaffolding and access industry is facing a significant skills shortage, with an estimated 40,000 roles expected to become vacant in the coming years, according to the NASC Skills Gap Report 2026.

The NASC (National Access and Scaffolding Confederation) is the UK’s leading trade body for scaffolding and access.

The report, based on responses from full NASC member companies, provides the first detailed snapshot of workforce capacity across the sector.

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It found that 56% of firms currently have at least one vacancy, with an average of 4.4 open roles per organisation. Among NASC members alone, this equates to around 1,760 vacancies.

Rising Demand for Scaffolders and Access Workers

Demand for workers is expected to increase further in 2026, with 83% of NASC member organisations planning to recruit this year.

Scaffolders account for the largest share of expected hires. When projected across the wider scaffolding and access sector, the NASC estimates that around 40,000 positions will need to be filled to cover retirements and normal staff turnover.

Clive Dickin, Group CEO of NASC and CISRS, said: “Our members expect almost 6,000 vacancies this year alone and when you factor in retirements and normal staff turnover, then across the whole sector including non-member firms that means an equivalent of around 40,000 roles that will need to be filled.”

Dickin emphasised that training and education are long-term solutions to address the skills gap. Investment in CISRS training, apprenticeships, and professional development is ongoing to maintain high standards of competence and safety within the sector.

However, he warned that developing new entrants takes time and suggested that short-term migration support may also be needed to bring experienced scaffolders from overseas while the domestic workforce pipeline grows.

Structural Challenges Affecting Recruitment

The report also highlights structural challenges in workforce growth:

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  • Around 7% of the current workforce is expected to retire within four years, potentially removing over 1,400 experienced workers from NASC member companies alone.

  • Firms reported recruitment difficulties due to economic uncertainty, pay expectations, and a lack of qualified applicants.

NASC stressed the need for coordinated action between industry, training providers, and government to ensure the scaffolding workforce is equipped to meet the UK’s future construction and infrastructure needs.