Demand for Tradespeople jumps by 63% as renovation mania grips the Nation

As the pandemic continues to confine people to their homes, interior fatigue has set in and renovations have surged. Research from insurance comparison website Quotezone.co.uk shows jobs in the trade industry have increased throughout the pandemic by 63%, with the top three revealed as Joiner / Carpenter, Builder and Cleaner.

The data from Quotezone.co.uk compiled the top ten list of trade occupations for 2020 and compared them to the 12 months previous.  Number one on that list was Carpenter / Joiner with a 66.6% increase followed by Builder / Bricklayer at 57.7% increase and finally a staggering 70.8% increase for those working in cleaning.  Interestingly these top three positions didn’t change from 2019 to 2020.

Handyman moved up from 8th to 5th position and was the biggest overall change with a 123% increase from 2019.  Followed by Painter / Decorator with a 122.7% increase - the only new entry to the table, in at number 10.

Increased demand for tradespeople has not been curbed by the UK’s most recent restrictions. With the exception of Scotland, tradespeople in Wales and England including builders, cleaners and carpenters are all allowed into residents homes during the national lockdown, if the appropriate precautions are taken.

The analysis is based on a sample of over 7,000 tradesperson insurance policies compiled from across the UK during 2019 and 2020.

Responding to the data, Greg Wilson, Founder of Quotezone.co.ukcomments: “With the nation in renovation mode throughout lockdown, it is not so surprising that demand for trade skills is spiking but it is great news for tradespeople and could even provide opportunities for those who have been made redundant recently.

“The rise in demand for cleaning staff is considerable at 70% year-on-year, and this trend may well persist even after the vaccine is rolled out as companies embrace deep cleans and more thorough hygiene practices for the eventual return to the workplace.

“I would recommend, especially if this current line of work is new to you, that you check you have a comprehensive tradesperson insurance policy or it you’ve just expanded your business and recruited several employees.  Our comparison website can help you find a competitive policy that is tailored to your individual business needs.”

Although the pandemic may be the root cause for this growth in demand for tradespeople, additional research suggests trade jobs have the potential to earn significantly more than the average graduate positions, estimating a £10k difference** in salaries – and without the additional university debt.

Quotezone.co.uk helps around 3 million users every year and is recommended by 97% of reviewers, covering over 60 products including niche items such as public liability insurance and income protection insurance.