Britain’s tradesmen take massive hit to earnings as top paid trades revealed

BRITAIN’S army of tradesmen and women have taken a massive £14,000 hit to their earnings in the past year, figures reveal.

The average income for white van grafters dropped 17 per cent from £82,821 to £68,474.

But it still pays to have a trade, as wages are well above average annual earnings of £34,953.

Bricklayers, window cleaners, tilers and plasterers have been the worst affected by a slowdown in pay.

Average income for brickies fell by 17 per cent from £80,993 in 2022 to £67,465 last year, window cleaners saw turnover drop seven per cent to £38,410, while plasterers and tilers were down six per cent to £54,902 and £63,182.

Plumbers got £84,090, three per cent less, and electricians £75,883, five per cent lower.

Experts say the falls are due to people delaying home renovations to save money. DIY chains B&Q, Travis Perkins and Wickes, which enjoyed post-lockdown booms, have all warned of tough times.

Builders are still the top earners, down one per cent to £114,353.

Dryliners made £105,832, 12 per cent up, as the quicker alternative to traditional plastering flourishes.

Labourers’ earnings went up by ten per cent from £35,801 to £39,540.

Tradespeople in Grays, Essex, earn the most with an average of £115,445.

Those in Worcester earn least, on £61,269. Bea Montoya, of insurer Simply Business, said: “We encourage consumers to continue turning to their local tradespeople when in need of work.”

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