More than one in three UK tradespeople say their job is harming their mental health, with young workers among the least likely to seek support, according to new research by Trade Direct Insurance.

The survey found that 34% of tradespeople believe their work is damaging their mental wellbeing. Nearly one in five (19%) say their job is directly causing mental health problems.

The findings point to growing pressure across the skilled trades sector, where around 900,000 people are employed in the UK.

Younger workers appear particularly reluctant to speak openly. One in three (33%) tradespeople aged 18 to 24 said they do not want to talk about their mental health with others, while only a quarter (25%) said they feel comfortable discussing it with family.

A further 15% said they would like to seek help but do not know where to turn.

Financial pressure driving stress

The study found financial concerns to be the biggest source of stress for many tradespeople.

The most commonly reported pressures over the past year were:

Rising material costs (21%)
Cash flow worries (19%)
Having too much work (17%)
Securing new customers (17%)
Wider economic uncertainty (17%)

Patricia Gardiner, Sales and Marketing Director at Trade Direct Insurance, said tradespeople often face a combination of financial and operational pressures. “Tradespeople are managing customers, materials, cash flow and tight deadlines while also dealing with the physical demands of the job,” she said.

“When financial uncertainty and theft risks are added, it creates constant pressure that many simply push through.”

Theft concerns affecting scaffolders

Tool and van theft was identified as another major source of stress, with 14% of respondents saying it is a key concern.

For roofers and scaffolders, theft was reported as the number one worry. A single theft can prevent workers from operating and remove their income overnight.

The research also found that mental health pressures vary between trades. Joiners reported the highest levels of strain, with more than half (53%) saying their work is harming their mental health.

Bricklayers (47%), builders (42%) and landscapers (42%) also reported high levels of stress linked to their work.

The report suggests that the culture of independence within the trades may be contributing to the problem, with many workers reluctant to discuss mental health concerns despite mounting pressure.