Up to 50,000 construction jobs can be saved if self-build house construction doubles, according to a report published this week by a national organisation for people who build their own homes

The National Self Build Association said one or two construction professionals were employed on each of the UK’s self-build schemes. It is estimated that about 20,000 homes a year are constructed by self-builders.

A report from the association called on the government to set aside 50 publicly-owned sites for self-builders so that 2,000 plots could be made available by the summer.

It also said developers of large sites should be required to make space available for self-builders as part of planning agreements.