In a letter to Construction Minister Sarah Jones MP, the BMF set out how its members are preparing to support housebuilding across the UK and called on the government to announce its strategic plans for housing without delay.

The BMF told her that around £862 million has been committed by BMF members to modernising and increasing capacity and capability in the medium to long term.

In contrast, 82 member companies have pledged 14,765 new apprenticeships in the sector as part of BMF’s pioneering Apprenticeship Pledge.

The BMF is also investing significantly in a national campaign, ‘Building Materials Careers, to attract the diversity of skills needed to deliver gains in vital areas, including sustainability, innovation, and the delivery of products that can enhance productivity on building sites.

The initiative, which will be launched to the public in February, highlights the range of career options in the sector and opportunities to study for vocational and academic qualifications.

John Newcomb, CEO of the BMF, said: “Fresh impetus is required to deliver desperately needed homes that are built faster, to higher standards, in the right locations and that people can afford to buy or rent.

“BMF members are working to deliver the building materials needed to create a new generation of homes in the UK, and we now need a clear plan from the government to give the sector the confidence needed to continue investing.”

He added: “The BMF is taking action on employment, learning and development initiatives to bolster our long-established supply chain to the construction, housebuilding and property repair, maintenance and improvement markets.”