A degree of concern has been expressed amongst tradespeople around the future of the general UK economy despite reports of high levels of work within the construction industry.
The latest Trade Pulse report, carried out by Screwfix, reported that 95% of the UK’s trade force is currently in work and a further 44% are quoting for more work than the same period last year.
67% claim to have enough work to keep them busy, with a further 16% having more work than they can handle.
Looking forward, 48% said that they believe business will improve for them over the next year, however this industry optimism was tainted with a degree of uncertainty over the future of the UK economy, as one in three (32%) think it will worsen in the next 12 months, increasing from 20% who felt the same way 12 months ago.
Andrew Livingston, CEO of Screwfix, commented: “The optimism seen among the UK’s tradespeople at the start of 2016 is continuing, however there also seems to be more uncertainty on the nation’s economic outlook from the trade. Despite this, it is very encouraging to see that many continue to be in work, with more jobs to come.”
Screwfix’s Trade Pulse is a monthly index that surveys more than 500 UK tradespeople to track work levels and optimism among the trade. The retailer undertakes the research to gain greater insight into the needs of its customers to ensure it provides the services and products required.
