Trades, Labour & Plant Operatives
The Trades and Labour industry is one of the longest standing industries in the world. There has always been a need for trades people and labourers. A market that continues to grow and demand more from the people working within it as technologies and machinery continue evolve and alter trades people’s fundamental function.
It is estimated that there are roughly 29.5 million employees in the UK (figures from December 2021) working in the Trades and Labour industry. This industry continues to grow after such a drastic hit during the Coronavirus pandemic. One of the most harshly hit industries as many were unable to work due to restrictions. The lucky few were part of the key workers who were able to continue working through with safety measures in place.
Trades and Labour industry insights:
The Trades and Labour industry has seen growth in many aspects. The total weekly hours worked increased by 12.2 million hours, bringing the total hours worked between February to April 2022 to 1.04 billion hours. This is still 7.6 million below pre Covid levels, but is still a sign of increase in the market.
Not only have more people worked more hours, the increase in employment rates across the Trades and Labour industry have been increasing steadily. In December 2021 it was recorded that there were 29.5 million employees, this increased by 184,000 from previous months. Overall this figure has increased by 409,000 when compared to pre-pandemic levels.
These employment rates show that the unemployment rate for February to April 2022 decreased by 0.2 percentage points on the quarter to 3.8%. These rates are only set to drop as the number of job vacancies in the industry rose to record levels of 1,300,000 between March – May 2022. The industry has begun to see a decrease in the number of vacancies as the industry slows down.
Salary Expectations
The salary you can expect to receive in this industry can depend on many factors, such as; experience, education, individual roles, etc. Across the industry as a whole we can see that according to a recent ONS report: Growth in employees’ average total pay (including bonuses) was 7.0% and growth in regular pay (excluding bonuses) was 4.2% in January to March 2022. This is overall a positive insight for the industry, and we hope to see its continued growth.
A breakdown of some expected salaries per role can be seen below. If you cannot find what you are looking for, you can always contact our recruitment team to discuss roles.
Bricklayers = Average salary is around £48,934
Forklift Truck Drivers = Average salary is around £20,736
Electricians = Average salary is around £32,100
Plumbers = Average salary is around £25,000
Each salary may increase depending on the level of experience a person has, as well as the location of the role. For example;
Plumbers can earn an average of £36,384 when located in London.
Electricians can earn an average of £36,679 when located in London.
Forklift Truck Drivers can earn an average of £23,443 when located in London.
Bricklayers can earn an average of £51,869 when located in London.
Roles:
There are many roles that are encompassed within the Trades and Labour market. Roles such as:
| Labourers | Skilled Labourers | Ground Workers |
| Rake Hands | Gatemen | Cleaners |
| Carpenters (1st & 2nd fix) | Handypersons | Multi Traders |
| Painters | Decorators | Plasterers |
| Bricklayers | Tower Crane Operators (Saddle & Luffer) | Pedestrian Crane Operators |
| Crawler Crane Operators | Slinger Signallers | Lifting Supervisors |
| Telescopic Forklift Drivers | Self-Propelled Boom Operators | Scissor Lift Operators |
| Traffic Marshalls | Digger 360 Operators | Dozer Driver Drivers |
| Tractor Drivers | 180 Operators | Shovel Drivers |
| Hoist Operators | Forward Tipping Dumper Drivers | Roller Drivers |
| Articulated Dump Truck Drivers | Steel Fixers | Shuttering Carpenters |
| Chain Persons | Electricians | Plumbers |
Each role will have its own job description as well as requirements with experience and qualifications. Some companies may require some additional checks to ensure that you are fit to work on their site.
Required Qualifications
There are many certifications and qualifications available to you in this industry. Each role may require only one of the qualifications, or they may require a combination.
Trade specific qualifications such as:
– FLT Licences
– Health and Safety courses
– First Aid
– CSCS
If you are unsure what qualifications are required for your particular industry please contact FBR now, our team can help you find the right role to suit your skills.
