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Over the past year, progress in parts of the construction sector has been somewhat stop-start, with projects awaiting the green light under the Building Safety Regulator’s new Gateway system.

But there’s finally some good news. The BSR has confirmed that the Gateway Two backlog is on track to be cleared by January 2026, meaning almost all delayed applications will be processed by the end of this year.

This announcement signals real progress for developers, contractors, and everyone involved in delivering high-risk or high-rise buildings.

So, what does this actually mean?

For months, slow approvals have held projects up, especially those involving new residential builds or tall structures that fall under the stricter safety requirements.

Now, with the backlog almost cleared, we’re likely to see:

• Projects gaining momentum again
• Contractors and developers pressing ahead with plans
• Demand for skilled professionals picking up pace

In short, after a quieter spell, things are about to get busy again.

What this means for employers

If you’re responsible for hiring, now’s the time to get ahead. Once approvals start moving, so will everyone else, and the demand for skilled people will rise sharply.

Getting your recruitment plans in place now means you’ll be ready to move when the work lands, rather than scrambling for the right people later.

We’re already speaking with clients who are reviewing their teams and planning their next hires to make sure they’re prepared for a strong start to 2026.

And for candidates

If you’ve been waiting for the right time to move, this could be it.

As more projects get the go-ahead, opportunities in building envelope, especially design, façade, compliance, and project delivery, are likely to increase.

Now would be a good time to freshen up your CV, update your details, and let us know what you’re looking for next.

A final thought

The industry’s been waiting for momentum to return, and it looks like that moment is finally arriving.

At Metis Recruitment, we specialise in connecting skilled people and progressive companies across the building envelope, roofing, and renewables sectors. Whether you’re looking to hire or ready for a new challenge, now’s the perfect time to start the conversation.

Call us on 01522 424145 or email here.

Visit www.metisrecruitment.co.uk

Let’s get you and your projects ready for what’s next.