The number of unemployed architects in the UK has fallen to its lowest level since before the financial crisis, according to the Office of National Statistics. This is based on the number of architects claiming Jobseekers' Allowance, which fell to just 310 in May, a figure that has almost halved since May 2013 when 615 architects were claiming.
These statistics are backed up by observations revealed by the RIBA Future Trends Survey for May, released later this month, which reportedly shows a 10% increase in workload among UK practices.
More on the recovery of UK architecture after the break
The rise in work levels has in fact been so marked - and so sudden - that some are complaining of a skills shortage. Adrian Dobson, RIBA director of practice said that "we are hearing of shortages of BIM literate staff with project delivery experience, and these candidates are increasingly in demand."
Paul Chappell, manager at RIBA Appointments, said that "there are probably around three times the number of jobs coming in compared to this time last year," adding "it is certainly becoming harder to find the right candidates for all the new roles."
The increase in work is being put down to growth not just in the UK, but also overseas, as 16% of the income of RIBA chartered practices now comes from foreign markets. "some of the pick-up in activity is clearly related to a recovery in some key overseas markets," said Dobson.
Story via Architects' Journal
