Key trades wages rise with inflation according to new report

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Plasterers, demolition workers, plumbers, roofers and scaffolders have see pay rise and keep in line with the current official inflation rate which many dispute that has recently climbed to 9.1% over the year since May 2021.

Although some trades wages have stood still with payroll specialist Hudson Contract reporting that some other trades including bricklayers, steel erectors M&E contractors weekly pay packets actually down on a year ago.

May’s latest labour figures show that rates grew across the board by 2.8% compared with April as in-demand self-employed subcontractors continued to boost their earnings with average weekly pay for freelancers increased to £918.

Managing director of Hudson Contract Ian Anfield,, said now there may be early signs that demand was easing in the labour market.

“None of our clients are telling us they are struggling for work but quite a few are telling us there are fewer tenders coming through the door.

“Some larger groundworks contractors are spreading their influence into new regions, particularly with Midlands contractors moving north. It could be a sign that a bit of the heat is coming out of the market in some parts of the country.

“For the last two or three years, the construction industry has been incredibly resilient in dealing with inflation linked to Brexit, the pandemic and problems in the Suez Canal blocking up the supply chain for materials.

“It’s a real shame that the government, which says construction is the foundation of the economy, has chosen to slap huge tax rises on the industry by ending the red diesel rebate and introducing a VAT reverse charge.

“Inflation is now big news because it is hitting households and it will be even bigger news if the tax rises start to impact house builders – the foundation of the economy can only carry so much.”