With the Labour government's commitment to build 1.5 million new homes by 2029, demand for skilled tradespeople is expected to surge. However, industry leaders have warned the workforce is already falling short, estimating the construction sector will need an additional 239,300 workers by 2029 to meet the target. As demand for skilled workers continues to outpace supply, some trades are already seeing the benefits.
Window fitters rank the trade best placed to gain from the housebuilding boom, but which other trades are set to benefit as Labour's building programme gathers pace?
To find out, the experts at Capital on Tap analysed how average day rates for skilled tradespeople have changed between 2023 and 2026, revealing which roles have seen the fastest pay growth, and which are best positioned to benefit as the UK's housebuilding programme gathers pace.
Window fitters have seen the biggest increase in earnings of any trade analysed, with average hourly rates rising 17%, from £27 in 2023 to £31 in 2026. With every new home requiring windows and glazing, demand for experienced window fitters is expected to remain strong as Labour's housebuilding programme gathers pace.
Fencers rank second, recording a 9% increase in hourly rates over the past three years, rising from £27 to £30 per hour. As new housing developments require boundary fencing, gates and outdoor infrastructure, the trade is well positioned to benefit from the continued expansion of residential construction.
Heating engineers are among the UK's best-paid trades, with hourly rates rising 5% from £41 in 2023 to £43 in 2026. The trade could benefit further as searches for "air conditioning" have surged by 309%, driven by rising temperatures and renewed debate after the Liberal Democrats called for every new UK home to include air conditioning in recent news.
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