Story perspectives

Wales Construction Recovers Amid Skills Shortages, Toronto Struggles

9/17/2025

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Summary

Story summary

Wales’ construction industry shows recovery in H1 2025, with 53% of builders reporting increased workloads and 56% noting more enquiries, especially in home improvement.
Skills shortages affect 76% of firms, leading to job delays (44%) and cancellations (38%).
Rising material costs impact 87% of firms, prompting 59% to raise prices.
Despite challenges, 65% of builders remain optimistic for the next two quarters.
In Toronto, residential construction faces job losses due to the lowest housing starts in nearly 30 years, with a 44% drop in overall activity attributed to high development costs and interest rates.

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Story summary

Wales’ construction industry shows recovery in H1 2025, with 53% of builders reporting increased workloads and 56% noting more enquiries, especially in home improvement.
Skills shortages affect 76% of firms, leading to job delays (44%) and cancellations (38%).
Rising material costs impact 87% of firms, prompting 59% to raise prices.
Despite challenges, 65% of builders remain optimistic for the next two quarters.
In Toronto, residential construction faces job losses due to the lowest housing starts in nearly 30 years, with a 44% drop in overall activity attributed to high development costs and interest rates.