Two-fifths of UK tradespeople (40%) have seen an increase in their workload since January despite rising business costs becoming a concern.
Research from Direct Line also found that over a quarter are taking jobs closer to home due to rising transport costs (28%) or the expansion of low emission zones (25%), with over a fifth (21%) turning down jobs because of supply chain issues.
Meanwhile, almost a quarter (24%) say that jobs are taking longer to complete, or that their profit margins have decreased, due to honouring quotes despite increasing material and business costs.
While industry challenges and the cost-of-living continues to rise, sentiment among tradespeople remains relatively high, with 44% expecting a further increase in their workload over the next six months. Currently, there is a nearly an even split between tradespeople that have seen an increase (40%) and decrease (38%) in their workload. However, 62% overall say they have either experienced an increase or no change, despite increasingly difficult market conditions.
Commenting on the findings, Alison Traboulsi, product manager at Direct Line business insurance, said: “Trade based skills are vital to the UK economy, so it’s encouraging to see that many tradespeople remain optimistic and have continued to see a steady or increase in workload this year.
“That said, market conditions are becoming increasingly challenging, as business costs continue to rise, and the cost-of-living crisis starts to bite. Supply chain issues, rising material, staff, and transportation costs, as well a tool theft are all affecting tradespeople’s ability to work, with many also reporting a decrease in workload this year.”
