New Build Work Slows and Confidence Dips for Roofers – Latest NFRC Q4,24 Report

BOTH WORKLOADS and new enquiries have slowed, according to the latest State of the UK Roofing Industry report from the NFRC.

The report for the fourth quarter of 2024 finds NFRC Members were overall less positive than they were in quarter three of 2024. This is despite a period of increased investment into construction and government focus on growth.

Workloads were reported to have decreased most in the North West and South West, down -29% and -27% respectively on the previous quarter. Even the normally resilient London and Southern Counties region saw a -20% drop.

Likewise, the UK as a whole saw a 18% fall in the level of new enquiries compared to the previous quarter.

Confidence Dips in Q4,24

“Most concerning is the declining workload and level of new enquiries NFRC members are experiencing in the new build sector,” said NFRC CEO James Talman.

However, NFRC Members operating in RM&I were particularly positive about their workload for the year ahead.

While the rate of increased workloads slowed, there remains 33% of domestic RM&I and 39% in each of the commercial and public non-residential RM&I sectors reporting an increase in Q4,24 (falling from 41, 46 and 46% in Q3,24).

“Confidence has dipped, especially in new build, but there’s still an underlying resilience in the repair, maintenance, and improvement (RMI) segments,” said Talman. “Winter weather, continuing economic uncertainty, and recent government measures have tempered the sector’s enthusiasm.”

The report also highlights that challenges remain around skills shortages and material costs. Slaters, tilers and General Labourers are the top three skills in most short supply across the UK roofing sector. Around 40% of NFRC contractor members report continuing difficulties in recruiting.

Alongside the struggles of supply in skills are those experienced in supply of materials. Concrete roof tiles, slates and clay tiles all remain difficult to source, with almost half (43%) experiencing difficulty with the supply of concrete roof tiles.

Meanwhile over half (55%) say the cost of materials has risen on the quarter, while only 38% say tender prices have also risen.

Late payment of invoices continues to be problematic, as 45% of those responding continue to report late payment for work completed.

Lastly the report highlights continuing confusion surrounding what duties roofing contractors have under the Building Safety Act – a topic NFRC is working on for its members.

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