More than a quarter of tradespeople are looking for second jobs and one in ten are considering leaving the industry altogether
A nationwide survey by BestHeating has found that UK tradespeople are pessimistic about the future of the industry, with slow work and the cost of living crisis losing them business.
Of the 2,000 tradespeople polled, 16% are thinking of taking a second job within another trade to improve their economic situation.
An additional one in seven are looking into a second job outside of the industry, with roles such as delivery drivers, warehouse assistants and restaurant workers all mentioned.
Both customers and companies have been trying to cut costs
Whilst inflation remains elevated, one in five tradespeople have experienced delays in sourcing materials, which has led to them losing work or having to cut the quote for a job to appease customers.
More than two in five (44%) are concerned about the rising cost of materials and believe their finances will take a major hit in the coming months.
Tradespeople with more experience fear this most, with 61% of those 55 and older stating this, compared to just 37% of those aged between 18 and 24.
35% of tradespeople reported heavily discounting prices, with a notable 64% of workers cutting prices to keep work.
But customers are feeling the crunch as well, with one in six tradespeople has noticed that they have been called to fix botched jobs that customers attempted themselves before calling in help.
Despite the pessimistic outlook, customers are urged not to lose faith in tradespeople
Marek Kokocki, buying director of BestHeating commented: “It’s important that the nation continues to support [tradespeople] where possible and hire the correct person for important tasks rather than attempt a botched job that puts their home at risk.
“Businesses that supply materials or products can also play their part by providing better schemes that entice tradespeople to purchase their product with discounts as this has major benefits for their own organisation too.”
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