Record court cases for building watchdog

The building industry watchdog has been forced to recruit new staff to keep up with a record number of cases it's pursuing in the courts.

The building and construction industry watchdog is "snowed under" taking matters to court as it reaches a record caseload.

The Fair Work Building and Construction Commission has 52 matters before the courts, of which 46 relate to the CFMEU.

"We have been forced to recruit more staff to keep up with the increasing workload," director Nigel Hadgkiss said in a statement, saying he believes the record is a reflection of what's happening in the industry.