THE Construction Industry Federation has launched a newspaper advertising campaign over the festive season to encourage holidaying building workers to remain at home.

The director general of the CIE, Mr Liam Kelleher, said: "Shortages of suitable workers in all areas of the construction industry are restricting the industry's ability to taker full advantage of the current economic climate.

"Many construction workers living abroad may not be aware of the full extent of the recovery here. Hopefully our advertising will persuade significant numbers to investigate opportunities at home, before they leave the country after the Christmas period."

The Irish building boom coincides with an upsurge in Britain as well. A new survey by Hays Montrose, the UK's largest recruitment consultancy for the construction and property industry, shows that construction industry workers in Britain will be pressing for significant pay increases during the new year.

These are expected to be ahead of the 2.5 per cent increase available under Partnership 2000, if the new national agreement is accepted by the Irish Congress of Trade Unions.