by Matthew Chihwai | News Reporter

RatedPeople reveal how the industry has taken a hit during lockdown and how the support of local communities are needed more than ever

The UK trade industry is a significant economic driver, with the residential trade sector alone contributing to almost 8% of employment and 9% of UK turnover.  There are 5.8 million businesses in the UK and over 1 million of these are in the construction industry (1,037,000). Construction businesses make up 18% of the businesses in the UK and account for 8% of employment, and contributes £117 billion to the UK economy.

London

Immediate impact of lockdown:

After we went into lockdown, we saw a 55% drop in homeowners posting jobs in London.

The trades that were initially worst affected:

1) Roofers, 80% down

2) Security specialists, 75% down

3) Builders, 73% down

4) Painters and decorators, 72% down

5) Electricians, 71% down

The trades that initially fared the best:

1) Gardeners, 26% up

2) Tree surgeons, 20% down

3) Plasterer/renderers, 21% down

4) Locksmiths, 40% down

5) Floor fitters, 38% down

*Note: floor fitters cover external fitting too accounting for a number of jobs, including decking, external tiling, concrete/stone paving.

Where we’re at now (in the last week):

We have around 40% (38% exact) less jobs being posted than we had at the beginning of March before the lockdown. We’re beginning to close the gap on that initial 55% drop.

The trades currently suffering the most:

1) Loft conversion specialists, 80% down

2) Security specialists, 67% down

3) Painters and decorators, 64% down

4)  Gas/heating engineers, 62% down

5) Carpenters/joiners, 59% down

The trades that are currently faring the best:

1) Tree surgeons, 74% up

2) Gardeners, 1% up

3) Floor fitters, 10% down

4) Bathroom fitters, 15% down

5) Plasterers/renderers, 21% down