Major project delivery could be \u201cimpossible\u201d if delivery pipelines across multiple sectors surge at once, according to analysis by consultants at RSM.<\/p>\n
In a pre-Budget forecast, RSM\u2019s head of construction Kelly Boorman (pictured) identified the risk if the government pushes ahead with plans to boost infrastructure work across multiple major industries at the same time.<\/p>\n
She warned that plans to deliver major advances in the housing, defence and energy sectors could tie up the workforce, risking progress on major project delivery.<\/p>\n
\u201cAs the government aims to accelerate housing demand, with new incentives to address grid capabilities, an increased pipeline in 2028 and 2029 across all sectors could place significant constraints on the supply chain and workforce,\u201d Boorman said.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis will make delivery of major projects impossible should they be mobilised alongside one another.\u201d<\/p>\n
She called for \u201cmore clarity\u201d on how funds will be awarded to infrastructure across all sectors, to ensure there is a constant supply of work but still enough workers to complete the jobs.<\/p>\n
Defence has taken centre stage in recent months, as prime minister Andy Burnham in September committed to delivering the \u00a3298bn Defence Investment Plan (DIP) in full. Boorman said she does not expect the government to pull back from that commitment in the Autumn Budget, which will be delivered on 28 October.<\/p>\n
That focus on defence work is set to drive the construction sector forward in 2027, Boorman said.<\/p>\n
Burnham\u2019s commitment to the defence industry will \u201cdrive demand for essential infrastructure, requiring significant construction expertise to deliver advanced manufacturing plants, warehousing, and logistics and security infrastructure\u201d, Boorman said.<\/p>\n
It will also \u201caid sentiment\u201d in the construction industry moving forward, she added.<\/p>\n
Former chancellor Rachel Reeves announced the DIP in July, alongside plans to shelve up to \u00a3700m-worth of road projects<\/a> to help fund it. Projects at risk included the \u00a3297m A46 bypass and the A38 Derby Junctions.<\/p>\n