The association has been receiving reports from major building contractors that they are finding it impossible to recruit personnel, in spite of spending entire days interviewing prospective candidates from among the unemployed.

There are clear indications that many of those registering for work are not really motivated to have legitimate productive employment, in spite of favourable working conditions being offered by the industry.

The industry is also concerned about the delays in the processing of work permits for foreign workers to take up the jobs that are available. In many cases contractors are unable to meet deadlines and commitments with their clients because of this

situation.

It is regrettable that the industry has no recourse but to offer jobs that are available to Maltese nationals to foreign workers who are more than willing to take up these job opportunities. In the meantime, there are many who are breaking the law by enjoying welfare benefits and working in the informal economy, either

on their own or with smaller

contractors.

The association calls for this issue to be addressed through stricter monitoring of the registered unemployed to curb abuse of welfare benefits, and to expedite the processing of applications from foreigners to work in this important sector.

The industry is frequently involved in projects that generate substantial employment on their completion. It is certainly not beneficial to the economy to see these projects delayed.