Weekly earnings for freelance tradespeople in the construction sector edged downward by 1.6% in April, according to latest figures released by Hudson Contract
Analysis of April payroll data for more than 2,200 construction companies in England and Wales revealed a 1.6% fall to an average of £885.
In the regions, Wales saw the biggest decrease in construction earnings between March and April, slipping 4.1% to £789, followed by the East of England, down 3.8% to £928, and Yorkshire and the Humber, down 2.7% to £819.
The marginal decline in weekly construction earnings is in line with the subdued construction activity reported by purchasing managers in recent months, which has been attributed to Brexit-related delays in decision making by businesses. The figures are also likely to reflect the impact of freelance tradespeople taking time off for Easter holidays.
Freelance civil engineers saw weekly earnings fall by 2.8% during April, mirroring the decline in civil engineering activity reported in the monthly PMI.
The North West was the only region to see growth in weekly earnings, rising 4.5% to £837 month on month. All regions experienced solid year-on-year growth, led by the North West (18.1%), London (10%) and the South East (9.9%), reflecting the strong demand for skilled trades.
Specialist tradespeople experienced the best month for weekly earnings, enjoying an 11.7% rise in April to an average of £1,056. Shopfitters, meanwhile, saw their weekly earnings fall 9.4% to an average of £1,111 during the month.
Ian Anfield, managing director at Hudson Contract, said: “Our analysis shows that weekly earnings for freelance tradespeople fell by 1.6% to £885 in April.
“While the figures will reflect some seasonal influence, there is little doubt that Brexit uncertainty is causing some businesses to hold back on new investment. The weak pound, a sign of this uncertainty, is increasing the cost of importing steel, concrete, plaster and plastic building products, which is leading to input inflation.
“We are also seeing smaller firms pricing up work for the larger contractors to reflect the risk of dealing with the financially troubled outsourcing sector.
“Whatever happens with Brexit and the wider economy, the construction industry will continue to rely on self-employed tradespeople and their ability to supply specialist labour.
“Their overall rise in earnings over the last year highlights the general shortage of skills in the sector and good financial incentives for young people to learn the trades.”
| Region | April 2019
Average |
Month on Month
% Change |
Year on Year
% Change |
| North East | £764 | -2.1% | 7.6% |
| North West | £837 | 4.5% | 18.1% |
| Yorkshire and the Humber | £819 | -2.7% | 5.3% |
| East Midlands | £902 | -1.1% | 9.6% |
| West Midlands | £934 | -2.1% | 7.1% |
| Wales | £789 | -4.1% | 7.9% |
| East of England | £928 | -3.8% | 7.8% |
| London | £899 | -0.4% | 10% |
| South East | £886 | -1.9% | 9.9% |
| South West | £787 | -3% | 5.2% |
