Plumber Earnings Rebound In June

Weekly earnings for self-employed plumbing contractors rebounded last month, according to the latest figures released by Hudson Contract.

Analysis of June payroll data for more than 2,200 construction companies in England and Wales reveals a month-on-month increase of 4.7 per cent to an average of £1,132. The rise reverses the 3.2 per cent fall seen in May.

Year on year, weekly earnings showed a 4.3 per cent improvement in June compared to the same month in 2018, illustrating the strong underlying demand for plumbers.

Plumbing remains the second-best paid of all 17 construction trades covered by Hudson Contract. Shop-fitters retained top place for the second month.

Plumbers in Yorkshire and the Humber saw the biggest increase in weekly earnings in June, rising 17.8 per cent to £734, followed by Wales, up 9.5 per cent to £1,004.

Plumbers in the East of England enjoyed the best month in June, seeing their average earnings rise by 4.3 per cent to £1,336. This is the equivalent of a £70,000 annual salary.

Ian Anfield, managing director of Hudson Contract, said: “Plumbing remains one of the most sought-after trades and skilled contractors earned an average of £1,132 per week in June, which is a great advertisement for young people who want to learn the trade, be their own boss and enjoy the rewards of being a valued supplier.

“Looking ahead, pent-up demand for new housing and the necessary plumbing work will ensure that demand remains strong for skilled plumbers.”

Hudson Contract delivers the most accurate indication of sub-contractor pay trends across the construction industry, using payroll data to publish the average pay for a spectrum of 17 different trades split across ten regions in England and Wales.

About Hudson Contract:

Hudson Contract, founded in 1996, is the UK’s largest professional workplace audit and Construction Industry Scheme (CIS) contract provider. The family-owned group provides audit contract and payroll services to more than 2,200 construction SMEs, on whose behalf it processed 1.7m payments last year. Hudson Contract’s monthly figures offer a valuable insight into pay trends in the £90bn construction industry, which accounts for 6.7 per cent of the UK economy and supports 2.9m jobs.