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Wednesday, February 4, 2026

Self-employed pay back to pre-Covid levels

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Self-employed trades have enjoyed their best month for earnings since the start of the pandemic, according to industry experts.

According to construction payroll services provider Hudson Contract, average weekly pay rose by 3.7% in March 2021 to £920, the highest figure since February 2020.

This is 57% higher than the median weekly pay for full-time employees, which according to the latest official statistics is £586.

Data from Hudson Contract showed earnings reached all-time highs in the East of England reaching £1,016 (a 5% increase on February’s average). All regions except Wales had month-on-month earnings growth.

Hudson Contract Managing Director Ian Anfield said: “Our latest figures show that self-employed tradespeople are reaping the rewards for their enterprise and efforts. Many have carried on during lockdowns to deliver the housing and infrastructure that Britain relies on.”

“Self-employment in construction offers financial freedom and flexibility for highly skilled individuals and enables projects to be completed safely, on time and on budget.

We continue to see strong demand for skilled labour on building sites and many of our clients are reporting full order books.”

“The housing market is booming due to the stamp duty holiday and government is committed to infrastructure spending across the UK.”

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