{"id":43506,"date":"2025-11-17T09:08:02","date_gmt":"2025-11-17T09:08:02","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.simplybusiness.co.uk\/?post_type=knowledge&p=43506"},"modified":"2025-11-17T09:11:55","modified_gmt":"2025-11-17T09:11:55","slug":"vanishing-trades-skilled-worker-shortage-hits-construction-sector","status":"publish","type":"knowledge","link":"https:\/\/www.simplybusiness.co.uk\/knowledge\/trades\/vanishing-trades-skilled-worker-shortage-hits-construction-sector\/","title":{"rendered":"Vanishing trades: skilled worker shortage hits construction sector"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Britain\u2019s traditional trades are disappearing at an accelerating rate, according to new figures from Simply Business that reveal steep declines in key skilled professions over the past four years.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

We looked at the number of tradespeople insured by Simply Business from 2021 to 2024 to understand how the industry is changing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"UK<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Sharp declines across core construction trades<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Welders have seen the largest drop, with a 10 per cent decline in numbers, closely followed by groundwork (-9 per cent) and plumbing (-7 per cent). Even general builders \u2013 long seen as the backbone of the construction industry \u2013 are down by 1 per cent.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Could the figures point to a growing crisis in the UK\u2019s construction and manufacturing workforce? An ageing population, limited vocational training, and post-pandemic economic pressures are combining to reduce the pipeline of skilled workers entering these trades.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Challenges for self-employed tradespeople include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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  1. Demographic shifts \u2013<\/strong> a high proportion of experienced tradespeople are nearing retirement age<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  2. Training bottlenecks \u2013 <\/strong>many small firms lack resources to take on apprentices<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  3. Perception issues \u2013 <\/strong>young people are often steered away from vocational careers despite high earning potential<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

    For small and medium-sized contractors, the shortage is already being felt. Many report<\/a> difficulty recruiting skilled staff and pressure to raise wages to retain existing workers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Read more: <\/strong>Which trade earns the most \u2013 and where?<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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    Risks to growth and infrastructure<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

    The skills gap threatens the delivery of key national infrastructure \u2013 from new housing developments to energy transition projects.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Welders and groundworkers are essential to large-scale renewable and transport schemes, while stonemasons and dry liners play crucial roles in restoration work.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Dan, a self-employed carpenter, thinks more should be done<\/a> to encourage a career in the trades in schools.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    He says: \u201cMy path into the trades came from knowing people in them rather than being educated about it. It\u2019s a shame that it isn\u2019t pushed more from a school perspective, as it\u2019s a great career route.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \u201cI believe one barrier to entry is that the low wages from apprenticeships can be seen as unappealing to young people who aren\u2019t thinking about the long term. If there was more education about the long-term opportunities, I think more would be keen to make a career out of the trades.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
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    Policy in focus: Autumn Budget 2025<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

    The upcoming Autumn Budget 2025<\/a> is expected to address workforce shortages, with measures aimed at supporting apprenticeships and trade education. Industry bodies are calling for:<\/p>\n\n\n\n