The skilled trades experienced a 2.8% drop in wages in Q4, while unskilled and semi-skilled site labour saw a slight increase.

Despite the small quarterly drop, wages were up by 3.1% when compared to last year, but still way below inflation.

BCIS solutions architect Paul Burrows who compiled the stats said: “While unskilled rates are being pushed upwards by increases to the National Living Wage, declining workload is pushing rates down for higher skilled roles.” 

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Time spent travelling to and from work could be costing tradespeople over £5,000 a year – that’s according to data from Zego. 

A poll by the van insurance firm found that tradespeople on average spend 66 minutes travelling a day.

When travel times were compared to average salaries, the report showed that carpenters lost over £6,200 a year commuting to work.

Plumbers and electricians came in second and third on the list, with both trades losing approximately £5,800 a year.

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And finally, a Nottinghamshire roofer who fell 35ft is learning to walk again.

58-year-old Simon Bell suffered brain injury, internal bleeding, a fractured should and broken ribs when he fell from a two-storey building in May.

Bell has been on an intense programme of physical and mental rehabilitation returned home in September.

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