Ambitious Housing Targets Face Labour Shortages in Czech Construction Sector

Government plans to significantly boost residential construction in the Czech Republic are likely to encounter a major obstacle: a lack of workers in the construction industry. According to a survey conducted among recruitment agencies, the sector is already operating near its limits, and meeting higher building targets would require a substantial increase in foreign labour.

Under the economic programme of the current governing coalition, annual housing output should rise to 50,000 new flats, roughly 20,000 more than current levels. However, staffing experts warn that such expansion would not be constrained primarily by financing or project preparation, but by the availability of skilled workers.

Recruitment specialists note that the domestic construction sector has long relied heavily on foreign employees. Craftsmen and manual workers from abroad make up a significant portion of the workforce, and without continued or expanded labour migration, the industry would struggle to meet additional demand. Agencies report that even at current construction volumes, companies are facing difficulties filling vacancies, leading in some cases to postponed or suspended projects.

Industry representatives describe the situation as structurally tight. Beyond manual trades, there is also a shortage of technical professionals, including site managers, engineers, quantity surveyors and specialists responsible for supervision and structural design. Recruitment processes for technical positions can extend over several months, contributing to project delays.

Another factor complicating the outlook is demographic change. Many experienced craftsmen are approaching retirement, while younger generations are entering the field in insufficient numbers. Physically demanding outdoor work, often performed in difficult weather conditions, makes certain trades less attractive to potential applicants. Persistent gaps are reported in occupations such as bricklayers, carpenters, roofers, plumbers and electricians.

Staffing firms argue that a controlled expansion of foreign recruitment will be essential if housing targets are to be achieved. Recent adjustments to quotas for workers from selected countries are viewed as positive steps, but recruitment experts suggest that broader access to labour markets and faster administrative procedures for work and residence permits will be necessary.

Without such measures, analysts warn that any rapid increase in housing construction could exacerbate existing labour shortages, placing additional pressure on an industry already stretched by limited workforce capacity.

Source: CTK