According to the latest Government labour market data there are presently around 25,000 jobs crying out to be filled.

The 23.3% quarterly increase is the greatest of any industry and the 7.6% annual increase the second largest of any industry.

The last time the industry had this many vacancies was in Spring 2008 before the financial crash.

Commenting on the widening skills gap, Karen Jones, HR director at Redrow said: “What we need now is a real push from the entire house building industry to tackle the skills shortage.

“It is vital that we go back to grassroots to continue to target young people and raise the profile of high achievers within our businesses; people who can serve as role models for those considering their career options for the future.”

Firms looking to fill vacancies can advertise jobs on Construction Enquirer’s Jobs Spy page.