Earnings for freelance tradespeople in the construction sector dipped by 1.7% in September, according to the latest payroll data figures by Hudson Contract
The contractor earnings provided by Hudson Contract revealed subcontractors earn a weekly average of £889 based on 2,200 construction companies across England and Wales.
Underlying demand remains strong for tradespeople with average earnings 2.5% higher than the same month last year.
The data shows Wales has the highest percentage change in earnings month on month, rising by 1.1% to £796 a week during September. This rise is maintained by the demand for housing and skills in the construction sector.
Wales also has a high number of major construction projects including a £280m schools program.
Roofing contractors performed well throughout September, with earnings rising by 2.6% to £834 per week in England and Wales. This was closely followed by scaffolding and lifting contractors who rose by 1.4% to £851. Similarly, bricklaying contractors were up 1% to £787.
Managing director of Hudson Contract, Ian Anfield, said: “Beyond the national headlines about Brexit-related uncertainty in the construction sector, we see demand for housing remains high as does demand for highly skilled tradespeople.
“The UK has a shortage of new homes and is way off government targets of 300,000 per year, managing 170,000 completions last year.
“This means self-employed specialists will continue to be able to command a premium for their valuable services.”
