YOUR article on a task group report into building industry jobs in York (The Press, May 8) refers to a “construction boom” – but this does not exist.

The past few years have been dire for the building industry. It has bounced along the bottom of the worst recession since 1945.

Recent increased activity can be regarded as an “upturn”, but it is a long way from being anything remotely like a “boom” of the kind experienced in earlier decades.

Houses are being built again, but nothing like the numbers needed.

Anyone who thinks there is about to be a massive surge in construction just does not understand what has happened to the industry.

Forget the global financial crisis.

The construction sector has been strangled by regulations and burdens.

The incentive to build has been crushed. Many small and medium firms have been put out of business and their workforce exited the industry. Apprenticeships almost disappeared.

Training was cut back as work dried up.

It is hardly surprising that a shortage of skilled workers is now apparent.

It was bound to happen and predicted by those of us who have struggled through these difficult times.

Matthew Laverack, Lord Mayor’s Walk, York.