UNDERLYING DEMAND FOR TRADES DEFIES BREXIT UNCERTAINTY
Earnings for freelance tradespeople in the construction sector declined by just 1.7 per cent last month, according to latest figures released by Hudson Contract. Analysis of August payroll data for more than 2,200 construction companies in England and Wales reveals a weekly average of £904 for subcontractors. Demand remains strong for specialist trades with average […]
Sep 5, 2019
Earnings for freelance tradespeople in the construction sector declined by just 1.7 per cent last month, according to latest figures released by Hudson Contract.
Analysis of August payroll data for more than 2,200 construction companies in England and Wales reveals a weekly average of £904 for subcontractors.
Demand remains strong for specialist trades with average earnings 2.2 per cent higher than the same month last year.
Our regional breakdown shows the North East and South West reported growth in average earnings last month. Wales saw the biggest fall with average earnings down 3.7 per cent.
Ian Anfield, managing director of Hudson Contract, said: “National trade surveys suggest lower volumes of work across the construction sector in response to the ongoing economic and political uncertainty.
“Businesses want Brexit settled one way or another so they can get on with delivering the housing and infrastructure that Britain needs.
“Today’s (September 3) purchasing managers index for the construction industry shows housebuilding activity fell only slightly last month while some companies reported tight labour market conditions had encouraged retention of skilled workers.
“Underlying demand remains strong for skilled tradespeople to build new roads, railways and homes and our analysis shows self-employed specialists are earning a premium for their services.”
Hudson Contract delivers the most accurate indication of sub-contractor pay trends across the construction industry, publishing the average pay for a spectrum of 17 different trades split across 10 regions in England and Wales.
| Region | August 2019 Average | Month on Month % Change | Year on Year % Change |
| North East | £788 | 1.3% | -2.2% |
| North West | £860 | -1.4% | 8.0% |
| Yorkshire and the Humber | £849 | -2.1% | 1.8% |
| East Midlands | £931 | -1.3% | 5.2% |
| West Midlands | £965 | -1.8% | 1.5% |
| Wales | £787 | -3.7% | -5.6% |
| East of England | £937 | -1.2% | 1.3% |
| London | £892 | -2.8% | 1.4% |
| South East | £901 | -2.4% | 2.2% |
| South West | £813 | 0.5% | 0.6% |
Related Posts
Solar Gates becomes SG in strategic evolution of the business
The UK solar safety and security solutions firm announces a new name and expanded offerings. Solar Gates UK, the solar safety and security company serving construction, highways, and infrastructure sectors across the UK, has officially retired - making way for SG. The...
Procast Group kicks off transformation of iconic Greenfield House in Alloa with phase one and two completion
An award-winning principal contractor has completed the initial phases of the transformation of the derelict Greenfield House in Alloa. Hamilton-based firm, Procast Group, has started the restoration of the classic out-of-use manor house in Clackmannanshire in...
Edenstone Group targets £100m turnover following Tai Derw acquisition
Edenstone Group has revealed ambitious growth plans following the acquisition of Tai Derw Developments Ltd as it targets £100 million turnover by 2028. The deal, agreed at the end of May, follows talks between Edenstone Group executive chairman Martin Taylor and Tai...