Scottish construction firms recruited almost 5,000 apprentices in 2007. Last year, that number fell by half. Overall, almost 250,000 jobs depend on the construction industry. That number fell by 8 per cent last year.

If we’re going to help more young people get jobs in construction, much greater frontline support is needed to kick-start the flow of work that will enable building firms to retain and recruit young workers.

If he’s looking for quick wins, Mr Murphy should apply further pressure on his Treasury colleague Alistair Darling to cut VAT on home improvements, repair and maintenance as a way of boosting the sector.

The importance of construction to Scotland’s economic recovery must not be underestimated. It’s time to give the industry a major frontline boost or risk missing out on recruiting the next generation of home-grown talent.

Michael Levack, chief executive, Scottish Building Federation

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