Freelance Builder Pay Trends: June 2024

South East leads construction pay rise, other regions lag behind

Labour rates on building sites remained fairly flat last month, reflecting the economic uncertainty in the sector.

The construction industry's biggest payroll showed average weekly earnings for self-employed tradespeople increased by just 0.6 per cent to £993 during June. Pay was only 1.1 per cent higher than the same month last year. 

Regional variations were significant. Subcontractors in the South East enjoyed the strongest growth, with earnings up by 3.8 per cent to £1,051. However, their counterparts in the North East, Yorkshire and the Humber, West Midlands, and Wales all saw decreases. 

Among specific trades, demolition and wrecking contractors saw earnings increase by 3.7 per cent to £956, while earnings for plumbers fell by 5.2 per cent to £1,141.

Ian Anfield, managing director of Hudson Contract, said: “Our findings back up what other commentators are saying. One minute housing is up, the next it’s down. One minute, infrastructure is down, the next it’s up.

“This is a perilous time for the industry, which has suffered from high inflation, interest rate rises and the unintended consequences of environmental legislation. Operatives are wondering how much work they can see in front of them, even as industry leaders talk about skills shortages.

“If the new government can hold true to its promise to accelerate the delivery of infrastructure and housing, it will be great for the industry. However, in the short term we expect continued uncertainty, with interest rates unlikely to fall soon due to inflationary pressures.”

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