RISING FUEL costs are hitting UK scaffolders and many other tradespeople hard with 90% being forced to increase their prices to keep their businesses alive.
With petrol and diesel reaching record levels and topping £2 per litre in some areas, IronmongeryDirect, surveyed 500 tradespeople to reveal the impact this is having on the industry.
The data revealed that almost every respondent (96%) said that their livelihood is reliant on their vehicles, and workers drive over 5,000 miles a year for jobs, on average.
This annual mileage will now cost individuals and businesses almost £500 more for diesel vehicles, and over £450 for petrol users, than it did this time 12 months ago.
Almost half (47%) of tradespeople say that their profits are being affected by the fuel crisis, and a third (33%) say that their company is struggling to cope.
Understandably, many are increasing their prices to keep up. Nine in ten (90%) tradespeople say they will up their quotes as a direct result of the fuel costs, with the average increase standing at 24%.
Scaffolders increase prices
The survey also found some trades are increasing them more than others, and scaffolders are planning the most significant price hike by 39%.
The trades planning on increasing their prices the most because of rising fuel costs are:
| # | Trade | % increase |
| 1 | Scaffolder | 39% |
| 2 | Roofer | 35% |
| 3 | Bricklayer | 34% |
| 4 | Building Surveyor | 30% |
| 5 | Electrician | 28% |
| 6 | Plasterer | 27% |
| 7 | Carpenter | 26% |
| 8 | Joiner | 25% |
| 9 | Builder | 22% |
| 10 | Plumber | 22% |
| 11 | Painter Decorator | 16% |
| 12 | Landscaper | 16% |
Some tradespeople plan to stop driving altogether, and one in seven (14%) say that they are now using public transport to get to jobs, because they can’t afford the fuel.
Dominick Sandford, Managing Director at IronmongeryDirect, said: “The fuel crisis is affecting all of society, but people who drive regularly as part of their job, like most tradespeople, are being hit particularly hard.
“Worryingly, its independent traders who will feel the most impact, as their profit margins are likely far narrower than larger corporations, who may be able to ride out the wave.
“Hopefully prices will begin to fall before too long, but in the meantime, reducing mileage and increasing fuel efficiency will help to slightly soften the blow.”
