Earnings for freelance tradespeople in the construction sector increased by 2.5% last month, according to latest figures released by Hudson Contract.
Analysis of October payroll data for more than 2,200 construction companies in England and Wales reveals a weekly average of £911 for subcontractors.
Our regional breakdown shows the south west was the best-performing territory with average earnings rising by 4.5% to £835 a week during October.
The region has a number of major construction projects including the Hinkley Point C nuclear power station in Somerset and the regeneration of the 19th century Brooks Dye Works in Bristol.
The west Midlands had the second strongest growth, rising 3.3% to £981 a week, followed by the east of England, rising 3.2% to £945.
Subcontractors in all 10 regions across England and Wales saw increases in average earnings last month.
Ian Anfield, managing director of Hudson Contract, said: “Companies using Hudson are dynamic SMEs that are run by owner-managers who are in complete control of their businesses.
“Despite indicators showing the entire economy and particularly the construction industry is slowing down, our clients are busy with freelancers earning on average £911 per week.
“We’re not surprised by this as each year construction companies rush to get projects finished by Christmas; similarly contractors want to get their money in and earn as much as they can before Christmas and the bad weather sets in.”
Ian continued: “We’re hoping the slowdown as reported in the latest construction purchasing managers index doesn’t catch up with freelancers in the new year. There is no doubt construction needs certainty: a new government could change spending plans or tighten up on planning regulations, which might lead to a slowdown in investment in this country. However, our data is not the sentiment of 150 purchasing managers, ours is hard figures from 2,200 construction companies.”
