A UK government migration policy adviser has hinted that a ban on non-EU unskilled construction workers may be lifted to avoid preparations for the 2012 London Olympics falling behind schedule. He has already stated that foreign construction workers would be needed to deliver the government's target of three million new homes by 2020.

David Metcalf, who is Head of the UK’s Migration Advisory Council (MAC), has told a Lords economic committee that UK firms may not be able to train enough UK based labour to deliver contracts for 2012. This could lead to labour shortages and as a result a need to reassess the current UK ban on non-EU unskilled workers.

MAC is currently preparing a record of official shortage occupations. When completed UK based firms will be able to advertise outside the EU to fill the construction vacancies, as part of the government's new points-based migration system.

Metcalf also revealed a personal opinion that UK firms should be required to invest in training as a condition of winning contracts.