UK tradespeople are calling for the new government to make a clearer plan aimed at supporting more people into the construction industry and upskilling existing staff, according to a survey conducted by Screwfix.
More than 1,000 UK tradespeople were surveyed about life in the trade, their key challenges and opportunities as the construction industry faces its ongoing skills shortage.
While 75% of those surveyed said they have work planned for the next six months, only 3.7% of sole traders and 19% of SME firms were able to take on an apprentice in the last year.
Meanwhile, tradespeople are struggling to keep up with demand. Most will spend four months of the year working more than five days a week, and 69% feel they have no one to hand their business over to after retirement. A total 42% of those over 65 say they will never retire or do not know when they’ll be able to.
A further 60% stated that the pressures of increased tax and business regulations were their primary concern and key barrier to achieving their business’ objectives. A total of 58% highlighted the lack of skilled labour available in construction as a key challenge and necessary policy area for the new government to focus on, as it seeks to propel the UK’s economic growth.
On the topic of skills, 92% believe more needs to be done within schools to encourage young people into the trades, while a further 30% responded that there are no significant initiatives in their region to promote trade careers.
Screwfix has launched its Voice of The Trade report which outlines the key challenges of those currently working in the industry, including those they face around attracting new talent.
The report sets out five key areas of suggested focus for the new government:
- Make business tax and regulation small business friendly.
- Provide direct grants to SMEs to support recruitment.
- Encourage flexibility in apprentice hiring to reflect the work tradespeople have planned via T level placements and flexi-apprenticeships.
- Make upskilling flexible and focused on when trades have time to train.
- Celebrate trade apprenticeships as having the same value as a university education.
John Mewett, CEO at Screwfix, said: “We are passionate about supporting tradespeople and we know from speaking with them just how rewarding a career in the trade can be. As a supplier to the trade, we wanted to understand and be a voice for what tradespeople are seeking from the new government to support their businesses, and to help more people enter the construction industry.
“The construction sector and the tradespeople within it are crucial for the upkeep of our homes, workplaces, infrastructure, and ultimately, our economy, and we need to make sure it remains strong. With the UK on course to face a shortfall of 250,000 tradespeople by 2030 and the new government’s emphasis on driving economic growth, now is the time to support our current trade workforce as well as educate and inspire the younger generation on the significant career opportunities available.”