UK Tradespeople Hopeful About 2021 Workloads

THE MAJORITY OF 1,600 UK tradespeople are optimistic about their prospects or 2021, a survey by Travis Perkins plc has revealed.

Almost nine in ten (87%) of respondents believe their workloads will increase or remain the same this year compared to 2020. While more than a third (36%) expect their materials purchases to increase in the next 2 months.

The results continue to show that domestic repairs maintenance and improvements (RMI) will make up most of the workload for the majority of the UK’s tradespeople. 78% of which expect this to be the major driver of their work over the next 2 months.

Types of domestic work

The impact of the pandemic and restrictions on the types of domestic work being undertaken is highlighted. There is a notable increase in the number of projects involving office builds and study conversions (34% reporting an increase). This is driven by the expectation of a future where homeworking is more common.

Similarly, there has been an increase in garden landscaping (27% reporting an increase) as homeowners prioritise outdoor projects.

Most respondents (92%) expect COVID-19 to have a greater impact on their work than Brexit during 2021.

The survey is the second publication of Travis Perkins’ RMI Index following the first report in August 2020.

Nick Roberts, CEO of Travis Perkins plc, said: “This report bears testament to the ability of the UK’s tradespeople to see through short-term headwinds and plan for the longer-term economic recovery.

“Challenges still remain, both in emerging from the COVID-19 crisis and dealing with the aftermath of Brexit. But the overarching picture from the tradespeople that we surveyed is one of cautious optimism.

“Workloads remain robust, projects continue to be undertaken despite the lockdown restrictions, and homeowners are increasingly looking to adapt their homes to deal with the changes we as a society have seen over the past year.”

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