The nation’s plumbers are bracing for a challenging winter as they prepare to turn down job opportunities worth an estimated £133 million over the coming months. This alarming trend comes as demand for plumbing services surges during the colder months. A recent survey conducted by Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles revealed that 67% of UK van drivers admit to rejecting at least one job they quote for each month.
The primary reasons behind this trend include a lack of availability to handle additional work, cited by 38% of respondents. This is followed closely by travel time to the job site, affecting 37%, and concerns over the economic viability of taking on specific jobs, noted by 34%.
Statistically, the busiest plumbing season in the UK runs from November to February, with a notable 85% of plumbers reporting increased service demand compared to the milder months. This rise is mainly due to harsh winter conditions, which can cause more boiler failures and burst pipes—critical plumbing emergencies that need immediate attention.
As demand for plumbing services increases, the industry is facing a significant shortage of skilled professionals. Alarmingly, one in four homeowners has reported considerable difficulty in finding a reliable plumber, and experts estimate that an additional 73,700 new plumbers will be needed by 2032 to manage the rising number of call-outs.
Financially, the situation is urgent; data show that the average cost of repairing a burst pipe during the winter months is about £330—this amount covers necessary materials and labour. With around 150,000 qualified plumbers operating across the United Kingdom, the potential revenue loss from declining jobs could total nearly £133 million, as demand greatly exceeds supply.
Craig Cavanagh, the National Fleet Manager at Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles, remarked, “With plumbers in high demand during the cold months, it is essential for the trade to minimise downtime and respond to as many call-outs as possible.” He highlighted that Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles provides vital services, including 24-hour roadside assistance, mobile servicing, and extended opening hours, offering valuable support and peace of mind for plumbers during this busy period.
For more information on Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles’ range of products and support, visit one of our local Van Centres, or read more here: www.volkswagen-vans.co.uk.
Key Points…
- Plumbers Preparing for Declined Job Opportunities: UK plumbers are expected to turn down an estimated £133 million worth of jobs this winter, mainly due to lack of availability, travel time, and economic considerations.
- Peak Plumbing Season During Winter: The busiest months for plumbing in the UK are from November to February, driven by winter conditions that cause more boiler failures and burst pipes.
- Skilled Workforce Shortage: There is a significant shortage of qualified plumbers, with a need for an additional 73,700 professionals by 2032 to meet rising demand.
- Financial Impact of Job Rejections: The average cost to repair a burst pipe in winter is around £330, and the decline in jobs could lead to a revenue loss of nearly £133 million for the industry.
- Support from Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles: Volkswagen offers essential services like 24-hour roadside assistance and mobile servicing to help plumbers respond efficiently during the busy winter season.
