88% of tradespeople are working, survey finds

Tradespeople reported strong levels of work in the first half of 2020 despite the Coronavirus pandemic, says research on behalf of Screwfix.

The research found that 88 per cent of the plumbers, electricians, builders and carpenters questioned in Screwfix’s Trade Pulse* index said they are working at the moment, with 72 per cent in work through lockdown during April and 77 per cent in May.

More than half (56 per cent) say they are preparing at least as many quotes as they were this time last year and, nearly one in three (32 per cent) is busier than expected. Many tradespeople remain optimistic for the next 12 months, with more than two-thirds expecting business to remain the same or improve.

Screwfix CEO John Mewett says: “The past few months have been hugely challenging for everyone, and our customers have had to adapt to new ways of working on site to keep themselves and their customers safe. That’s why it’s even more reassuring to see that these latest findings show many tradespeople remain in work and are preparing quotes for future jobs.

“We want to thank and reward tradespeople for everything they do and especially for their efforts over the past few months. To do this, we’re launching our annual competition to find Screwfix’s Top Tradesperson, to recognise those who go above and beyond for their customers, the industry and their communities. As previous winners show, winning the accolade can have a positive impact on their business, so it’s definitely worth entering.”

Screwfix’s Top Tradesperson is a nationwide competition. One exceptional winner will win the profile-boosting accolade and a £20,000 trade bundle. Entries are open until 30 August.

*The Screwfix Trade Pulse index surveys more than 500 UK tradespeople to track work levels and optimism among the trade.