Almost three-quarters of small builders are in favour of the UK government introducing a long-term plan to reduce energy consumption by making existing homes greener and more energy efficient, according to the latest trade survey from the Federation of Master Builders (FMB).
Data found that growth in workloads, enquiries and employment levels are all continuing to contract, with enquiries dropping into negative territory for the first time since 2013, excluding the pandemic years.
Both workload and enquiries have decreased in Q3 2022 compared to Q2 2022 on balance in all sectors.
In terms of total enquiries, 33% of FMB members report an increase in Q3 compared to Q2 2022.
Material shortages and difficulties finding skilled labour are still causing job delays for the majority of FMB members.
The survey found that 62% of FMB members have been impacted by a shortage of materials.
Meanwhile, around 60% of builders have delayed jobs due to a lack of materials and 59% have delayed work due to a shortage of skilled tradespeople.
Price rises are continuing to soar with 90% of builders experiencing material cost increases and 88% of respondents expecting prices to rise in the next quarter.
It found that 76% of builders have put up their prices for work because of this.
FMB chief executive Brian Berry says: “The fall in builders’ workloads and enquiries to a level not seen since 2013, discounting the turbulent market during the Covid pandemic is a worrying signal about the future prospects for the building industry. They reflect the overall economic situation that the UK finds itself in.”
“Small builders across the country need clear policies, and a degree of assurance so they can plan ahead. The current political uncertainly and its impact on the economy needs to be addressed quickly.”
“Over 70% of members support a UK-wide retrofit strategy to make the existing housing stock more energy efficient. This is one of the best ways to boost both the economy and the industry, while also upgrading our homes in an energy-efficient way.”
