A leading think tank has called on the Government to introduce a levy in the construction industry to boost skills training as part of a plan for Brexit.
The Institute for Public Policy Research (IPPR) also says the Government must send a 'clear signal' to EU citizens resident in the UK that their rights will be protected.
The call follows the latest official statistics showing a decline in the rate of net migration to the UK, largely due to a fall in inflow of EU citizens.
The institute calls for a 'radical industrial strategy for construction which brings together industry, workers, government, and clients, to modernise construction.'
It says a new skills strategy for the sector would include a 'productivity and skills levy' to provide the skilled workforce the sector needs.
IPPR senior research fellow Marley Morris said: 'Given migration patterns are now already changing, the Government needs a twofold approach.
'First, it needs to send a clear signal to EU citizens, and to business, that their rights will be protected.
'Second, it needs to plan now to boost investment in skills domestically.
'Today, we’ve called for a radical skills strategy for construction, including a new construction productivity and skills levy to increase investment.'
