People who have completed plumbing training courses could be putting their new skills to use "within weeks", if one industry expert's comments are anything to go by.

Steve Turner, head of communications at the Home Builders Federation (HBF), said that recently-announced government investment in up to 270 housing projects could have a positive impact on the construction sector.

The government plan, which is worth £925 million and was announced by housing minister John Healey earlier this month, is predicted to result in the creation of around 22,400 new homes.

Mr Turner said the HBF welcomed the plan as it would help to increase activity at building sites and allow people to get on with their jobs.

"It now just depends on how quickly the process takes to get that cash to the builders, but the sites are by definition ready to go anyway, so hopefully we will see builders back at work within weeks," he added.

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