According to the latest figures released by Hudson Contract, earnings for self-employed electricians increased by 5.8% last month to hit the highest level on record
Analysis of payroll data from October for over 2,200 construction companies in England and Wales showed a weekly average of £1,165 for electrical contractors.
This is the highest figure since Hudson Contract began analysing subcontractor earnings in March 2008. Electricians generated the highest earnings of all 17 construction trades covered by the company last month.
Self-employed electricians in Wales experienced the strongest growth in weekly earnings in October – rising 25.7% to £972. The South East followed rising 8.8% to £1,301, and then the North West, up 8.1% to £929.
Electrical contractors in the East of England had the highest weekly earnings at £1,363, equivalent to an annual salary of £70,000.
The findings come after government figures showed the number of new homes completed by developers reached the highest level in 11 years.
Ian Anfield, managing director of Hudson Contract, said: “Despite political uncertainty and a general election, self-employed electricians have never earned more. We hope this message reaches young people considering a career in construction.
“Despite indicators showing the entire economy and particularly the construction industry is slowing down, our clients are as busy as ever and the freelancers they are using are earning more money than ever before.
“We’re not surprised by this as each year construction company’s rush to get projects finished by Christmas. Similarly, contractors want to get their money in and earn as much as they can before Christmas.
“There is no doubt construction needs certainty: a new government could change spending plans or tighten up on planning regulations, which might lead to a slowdown in investment in this country.”
