SMALLER construction firms are facing a worsening shortage of skilled workers, according to a new report by the Federation of Master Builders (FMB).

Construction union Unite blamed the problem on a “perfect storm” of bosses failing to take on apprentices and an exodus of EU workers due to the Tories’ handling of Brexit.

Smaller firms are struggling to get enough skilled bricklayers, carpenters, plumbers, electricians and plasterers.

FMB chief executive Brian Berry said skills shortages are “skyrocketing,” prompting doubts over who will build the 300,000 new homes and infrastructure projects the government is calling for.

“More than two thirds of small- and medium-sized construction firms are struggling to hire bricklayers.

“This has increased by nearly 10 per cent in just three months, which points to a rapid worsening of an already dire situation. Nearly as many are facing difficulties hiring carpenters and joiners.”

Unite said the government should compel companies to recruit apprentices.

“These figures are a result of a perfect storm of a decades-long failure to train sufficient numbers of apprentices and migrant labour already to begin to leave the UK prior to the UK exiting the European Union,” a spokesperson said.

“The skills shortage is only ever going to be resolved in the long term when construction companies are compelled to train apprentices in order to bid for public-sector contracts.”