New study reveals the skilled trade in short supply in Edinburgh
A recent study by Markel Direct, the specialist insurer of tradespeople, found that Edinburgh has shortages of 4 out of 13 trades.
Article Source: Markel Direct
Last Updated: 15 January 2024 15:17
A recent study by Markel Direct, the specialist insurer of tradespeople, has discovered the trades in short supply across 46 UK cities including Edinburgh.
The study analysed the search volume for skilled trades in locations across the UK and compared the figures to the number of businesses in that trade operating within the location.
The data revealed that Edinburgh, the capital city of Scotland, was found to have shortages of 4 out of 13 trades looked at in the study. These included bricklayers, handypersons, electricians, and the trade with the most search volume in Edinburgh, plumbers.
However, Edinburgh isn’t the only city facing a plumber shortage, the data revealed there is a shortage of this trade in 12 out of 46 cities analysed, despite the same study showing plumbers were the most searched for trade in 44 of the 46 cities.
The wider study, which looked at hotspots for tradespeople across the UK, found that the “jack of all trades” handyperson was the trade that most locations, including Edinburgh, were short of. This trade did not have enough supply to meet the demand in 15 of the 46 locations analysed.
The peak months for each skilled trade in Edinburgh based on monthly search volume,
The study also determined when the peaks of searches occurred in each area, indicating when it may be more difficult to get hold of a tradesperson.
Skilled trade Peak month/s according to search volume:
Bricklayer - May & September
Builder - October & November
Carpenter - January & October
Carpet fitter - September & October
Electrician - November
Handyman - September & November
Joiner - October
Landscaper - January & September
Painter & decorator - January & October
Plasterer - January & September
Plumber - November & December
Roofer - October & November
Tiler - October & February
Window fitter - April & October
In the overall analysis it was found that September and January were the peak months for the most trades in the most locations.
This is likely due to September being when most children go back to school/ when the summer holiday period ends and January being the beginning of a new year and the start of renovation goals.
However, in Edinburgh, September, October and November were the peak months for the majority of trades.
Tradie shortages are a nationwide issue
As part of the study, 1000 UK homeowners were asked about their experience of hiring tradespeople. 46% of respondents reported struggling to hire a tradesperson for their projects and/or repairs, with the main reasons being no availability (46%) and shortages of the trade (34%).
Additionally, over a quarter (28%) of homeowners revealed to have started a DIY job but needed to call in professional help to take over or rectify mistakes. Plumbing repairs and maintenance topped the list, followed by painting and decorating and tree removal in third position.
Rob Rees, Divisional Director at Markel Direct, commented: “Whilst it can be tempting to attempt repairs or DIY tasks yourself, the risk of getting something wrong could result in only more problems to fix. Hiring an accredited and insured tradesperson with years of experience will ensure the job is done to a high standard and, most importantly, safely.”
You can find the full study HERE
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