Construction work formally commences on HS2 project

Construction has formally commenced on the HS2 project, as it looks set to create around 22,000 new jobs. The symbolic announcement signals that the four Main Works Civils Contractors (MWCC) are moving from enabling works, scheme design and preparatory work, to full construction of the HS2 project. Prime Minister Boris Johnson, said: “HS2 is at the heart of our plans to build back better – and with construction now formally underway, it’s set to create around 22,000 new jobs. “As the spine of our country’s transport network, the project will be vital in boosting connectivity between our towns and cities. “But HS2’s transformational potential goes even further. By creating hundreds of apprenticeships and thousands of skilled jobs, HS2 will fire up economic growth and help to rebalance opportunity across this country for years to come.” HS2’s main works contractor for the West Midlands, the Balfour Beatty VINCI Joint Venture (BBV JV), along with its supply chain partners, has said it expects to be one of the biggest recruiters in the West Midlands over the next two years, with up to 7,000 skilled jobs required to complete its section of the HS2 route.