Earnings for plumbing contractors continued to increase in August despite the holiday season.
A second consecutive monthly rise highlights the inflationary pressures in the construction industry supply chain, according to Hudson Contract.
Latest payroll data from Hudson showed average weekly earnings for self-employed plumbers increased by 0.6% to £978 per week during August.
Ian Anfield, managing director, said: “Self-employed plumbers are enjoying good earnings with strong demand for their specialist services. Most construction companies are reporting full order books, driven by new housing and renovation work.
“This growth is creating challenges with labour and material shortages. Costs are rising on a daily basis, which is squeezing margins and making it difficult to price new projects, and shortages are causing delays in existing projects.
“Many companies are looking forward to the end of the government’s Self-Employment Income Support Scheme this month, which should encourage more people back to work.”