More than eight in ten tradespeople have seen an increase in earnings following the most recent UK lockdown that began in January.
For many, the windfall has been significant, with a third seeing their income rise between 11 and 20 per cent, according to new research by Direct Line business insurance.
This follows a spike in workloads for the likes of plumbers, builders and electricians with one in ten saying they are fully booked for the next months.
Some are reporting having to work an extra 4.2 hours a week with some saying they are finding the extra work exhausting.
Part of the reason is the fact that, while many have been hit hard in the pocket by Covid, the average family has been able to save £1,803 since March last year due to the closure of pubs and restaurants as well as bans on international travel.
Many are now spending on home improvements or maintenance or planning to over the next 12 months. Nearly one in five have renovated their interiors, while a smaller number are investing on exterior elements, such as the garden, driveway, fencing or shed.
And are there any hotspots? The research showed those in Norwich, Liverpool and Nottingham have been the busiest.
Jane Morgan, SME Business Manager, said: “The heightened demand is clearly set to last, so it’s promising to see tradespeople investing in new equipment and hiring new staff so that they can continue to grow.”
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