Research from Screwfix has revealed that 57% of tradespeople are reporting difficulties in recruiting staff to support them.

For those who struggle to recruit skilled employees, more than one third (37%) believe it is because apprenticeships are not given the same level of respect as a university education. Furthermore, 31% say poor public perception of a career in the trade means school leavers are not interested in pursuing a future in construction.

The research, conducted as part of Screwfix Trade Pulse, a monthly index of more than 500 UK tradespeople, also revealed strong work levels across the trade, as nearly one-fifth of tradespeople have more work than they can handle and 40% are quoting for more jobs than 12 months ago.

Graham Bell, CEO of Plumbfix and Screwfix, said: “When we speak to tradespeople across our 546 stores, they reflect what these findings show us. Tradespeople tell us they have full work diaries but, many struggle to recruit skilled employees when looking to support their growing business so, it is clear that focused efforts are needed to drive recruitment and training into the trades.”