Industry supplier website Screwfix has called on more government support for apprenticeships, following a new report that shows overwhelming concurrence within UK construction.



Screwfix’s national tradesman manifesto shows 89% of tradesmen intend to vote in the next general election, 80% want the government to focus on raising the number of apprenticeship places from 110,000 to 400,000 and that the majority of tradesmen consider the availability of skilled workers more of a priority immigration. The report found that only 40% of tradesmen considered immigration an important issue, with more worried about the shortage of skilled workers in the UK.




Of the plumbers, electricians, builders, carpenters and other tradesmen who responded to the survey, only 14% have employed an apprentice in the last year. Cost was found to be the biggest barrier to taking on an apprentice, as indicated by over a of respondents. The report also found that more funding for apprenticeships would allow businesses to train future tradesmen and women. Respondents also found that low pay is discouraging potential apprentices and more than half would like to raise the minimum wage.



89% support current commitments to continue freezing fuel duty and 84% want the personal income tax allowance to increase to £12,500, believing that such measures would have a positive impact on their business and encourage growth.



Andrew Livingston, CEO of Screwfix, said: "As a key supplier to the trade, we wanted to give tradesmen a voice by gathering feedback and submitting it on their behalf to the Government. Many of our customers are busier than ever right now and it’s important we work closely with wider industry and Government to consider new ways to help them and to encourage growth in their businesses."



Screwfix Tradesman Manifesto is a survey of more than 600 UK tradesmen.



(IT/MH)