FMB members report increase in workload

Members of the Federation of Master Builders (FMB) have reported an increase in total workload and enquiries, driven by a continued ‘strong rebound’ in the repair, maintenance and improvement sector. 

The FMB’s latest State of Trade Survey found that overall, 40 per cent of members reported an increase in workload in the second quarter of this year, with 18 per cent reporting a reduction compared to last quarter.   

However, members also said that housebuilding workloads and enquiries continue to struggle. 

The Q2 survey also found: 

• While recruitment difficulties are easing, 38 per cent of members are struggling to hire carpenters with 29 per cent struggling to hire bricklayers. 
• 25 per cent of members can’t get hold of general labourers. 
• More than half of members report that jobs are delayed because they are struggling to hire skilled workers. 
• 79 per cent of members report that material costs increased in Q2 2023. 72 per cent expect this to continue into Q3. 

• This has led to 69 per cent of members increasing the prices they charge, with just under half reporting that the business is on track to make a loss. 
• 19 per cent report that they are restricting hiring new staff as a consequence of increased outgoings. 

Brian Berry, chief executive of the FMB, said: “While there are plenty of positives to take from this quarter’s State of Trade Survey, there are still worrying signs for housebuilders. Workloads are up, driven by a strong repair, maintenance and improvement sector and encouragingly we’re also seeing pressure on obtaining skilled labour easing. 

“Housebuilding has been hit badly, despite a slight increase on last quarter more members are reporting less work than they are more, and enquiries continue to look bleak. The fall in housebuilding is worrying because the of housing supply is a key component of growing the economy and unlocking a mobile workforce. The government needs to step up its efforts if its own ambition to build 300,000 each year is to be met because the figure is expected to be less than half that this year. 

“The survey also points towards other areas of concern, with just under half of FMB members saying they expect profits to be lower than expected and around one in five saying they are restricting hiring new staff. With inflation dipping marginally, we’ll need to see over the coming months if this has any positive effects on bottom lines.” 

10 August 2023 
Laura Edgar, The Planner 

Our planning news is published in association with The Planner, the official magazine of the Royal Town Planning Institute.