Scaffolders have been crowned the UK’s toughest trade by their fellow workers, according to new research – although the public believes roofers deserve the title.
The nationwide study, commissioned by TROJAN workwear, polled tradespeople and members of the public on which job demands the most grit.
Among tradies themselves, scaffolders topped the table with 15% of the vote, ahead of roofers and stonemasons, who each scored 11%. Bricklayers and electricians rounded out the top five.
But when the public had their say, roofers were judged the hardest working, with nearly one in five naming them the UK’s toughest. Stonemasons were ranked second, while scaffolders had to settle for third place.
Public vs trade rankings
- Tradespeople’s top three: Scaffolders, Roofers, Stonemasons
- Public’s top three: Roofers, Stonemasons, Scaffolders
Bricklaying was highlighted by the public as the most physically demanding job, while more than half of tradespeople said qualifying as an electrician is the most challenging path.
The survey also revealed that 67% of tradies admitted to working while injured, and more than half regularly work in excess of 40 hours per week.
Battle of the blue-collar workers
The findings come as TROJAN prepares to launch a two-day event in October to crown the UK’s toughest tradie. The competition will coincide with the release of TROJAN’s new workwear range, designed to combine comfort and safety while tackling the long-standing issue of the “builder’s bum” through raised waistbands and integrated shirt grips.
James Posnett, Product Manager for TROJAN, said the contest was about celebrating the resilience of tradespeople across the UK.
The new TROJAN range will be available from 1 October via Arco.
