The scale of AMP8 is vast. With £104 billion in investment committed, the water sector stands at the beginning of one of its most significant delivery periods to date. The reality of the start of this cycle, however, has not entirely matched the ambition.

Rather than a clean transition into delivery, AMP8 has effectively begun as “Year 0”. Cautious decision-making and a lack of early momentum have led to stalled programmes, and the implications of this are already being felt across the sector. Timelines have slipped, and delivery is becoming increasingly constricted while pressures mount.

This is not simply a project delivery problem to overcome, however. There is a bigger picture at play. The main challenge we’re seeing on the frontline of AMP8 is the people behind the projects.

The workforce crisis behind AMP8

Indeed, our industry-leading annual Water Labour report has consistently shown an upward trend in concern around resourcing. The last iteration revealed that nearly half of engineers in water now cite skills shortages as the biggest challenge, while two-thirds are considering leaving the sector entirely due to a combination of limited career development, limited innovation and growing pressure. Then, of course, there’s the strong pull we’re seeing from more ‘attractive’ sectors such as clean energy and renewables. In addition, almost a quarter of engineers are expected to retire in the next five years.

A ‘perfect storm’ is approaching (if it isn’t already here), with a shrinking workforce coinciding with increased demand and compressed timelines. There is no doubt that this is already leading to the delays to AMP8 delivery that we mentioned above.

Why the Water Industry Labour Report matters

Those in the industry are the ones who feel the realities of workforce challenges, but until the Murray McIntosh Water Labour Report, there wasn’t really a comprehensive study of workers’ voices. That’s why we’ve seen such a significant interest in the results of our report from industry leaders as they navigate future demands. Indeed, our study formed the basis of recommendations and arguments outlined in the Independent Water Commissions report (or Cunliffe review) last year.

We know that understanding the workforce’s perspective has never been more important. Capturing those insights is exactly what our Water Industry Labour Report is designed to do.

This unique study is built on responses from engineers and delivery professionals and has become a critical benchmark for the sector. The impact of previous iterations of the report lies in shaping strategic conversations across the industry, ultimately informing workforce planning with genuine insights rather than performative headlines.

Unlike many industry studies, the Water Industry Labour Report is a grounded, unfiltered view of the realities of those delivering projects day in, day out. This bottom-up, honest view of the labour market offers a unique window into the water sector workforce during a time of significant change. By challenging narratives and assumptions, the report provides business leaders and policymakers a credible guide and opportunity to address issues that may otherwise go unseen.

Have your voice heard

The success of AMP8 will be determined by the industry’s ability to address its workforce challenges. To do that, business leaders need to hear the voices of frontline workers, and we want to facilitate that again at this critical point.

There is a real opportunity for the industry to think differently about how it attracts and deploys skills. Greater collaboration across the supply chain, a broader view of transferable talent and a more strategic approach to workforce planning will be essential if the sector is to move beyond short-term fixes and deliver at the scale required.

If you’re working in the water industry today, as an engineer, project manager or in another role, your perspective matters now more than ever. By taking part in this survey, you will play a direct role in informing how industry leaders shape strategy around hiring decisions and workforce planning at a critical moment for the UK water industry.

Not only could your insights have a tangible impact on your role and your company, but they will also help to influence the future of the industry. As a thank-you for taking part, participants will also have the chance to win up to £100 gift vouchers.

Make your voice count – take part in the survey today.

Click here to start the survey