Is anyone else finding it impossible to get decent labourers at the moment?

brickworkboss_wm

Bricklayer

1y ago

Word of mouth is the only way for decent labour in my experience. Every good brickie or labourer I've kept long term has come through someone I already trust recommending them. Agencies are for emergencies only these days.

tier2subby_mike

General Builder

1y ago

Same in the West Midlands. Anyone with a bit of experience goes straight to the agencies and then gets placed on the bigger commercial contracts for £20+ an hour. The domestic and small commercial sector can't compete. It's brutal at the moment.

groundworksgaffer_lee

Groundworker

1y ago

Worth bumping to £20? Wondering if that extra £2 makes the difference between someone staying or walking to the next job.

tier2subby_mike

General Builder

1y ago

The money helps but honestly the ones who leave for £2 more will also leave for £1 more somewhere else. Stability of work, good management, prompt payment — that keeps people. I pay on the Friday every week without fail and my lads don't leave.

chippydave_yorkshire

SubbHubb member

1y ago

We've started working more with the local college and taking on first-year apprentices. More work upfront getting them trained but they stick around because they've got a long-term path. Agency workers are just nomadic now, can't blame them.