Rising fuel costs are affecting UK tradespeople, with nine in ten saying they are being forced to increase their prices to keep their businesses alive.
With petrol and diesel reaching record levels and topping £2 per litre in some areas, IronmongeryDirect surveyed 500 tradespeople to reveal the impact this is having on the industry.
Almost every respondent (96%) said that their livelihood is reliant on their vehicle, and workers drive over 5,000 miles a year for jobs, on average.
This annual mileage will now cost individuals almost £500 more for diesel vehicles, and over £450 for petrol users, than it did this time 12 months ago.
Almost half said their profits had been affected by the fuel crisis, and a third said their company is struggling to cope.
Some trades are increasing them more than others, with scaffolders planning the most significant hike, up 39%, compared to 22% increases among plumbers.