Some companies in London have hired Portuguese bricklayers due to shortage of skilled Brits.

Research from Manpower confirms industry speculation that there is a lack of suitably trained workers.

Mark Cahill, Director of Manpower, said he was informed of pay doubling from £500-a-week for bricklayers.

The government says its aim is to continue to work with firms to “nurture home grown talent”.

Manpower also revealed that prospects in the construction industry are at their strongest since 2007, despite one in three of the largest construction firms deciding not to bid for projects because of a lack of skilled workers.

While no figures are available for the number of companies that have had to hire workers from Portugal a spokesman from ManpowerGroup said the report clearly displayed...

"very wide issues in terms of available skills for the construction sector as whole… …The profession has not been that attractive for new entrants during the downturn, which is combined by an aging workforce and lots of people leaving the sector"

- James Hick - Spokesman for Manpower Group