Marvin OnumonuOver two in five self-employed construction workers said inconsistent work was the biggest threat facing the industry, according to research from The Accountancy Partnership.
The survey found 42.5% of construction workers said finding consistent work was the biggest challenge, showing the uncertainty for tradespeople working on short-term projects.
Many freelance builders and contractors reported unpredictable workloads as economic pressures affected household spending and business investment.
Over a quarter of professionals (27.4%) said they were not confident they would earn more than last year.
Nearly half (46.6%) said inflation and rising costs were affecting their work.
Client budget cuts hit demand, with 38.4% saying this had reduced opportunities.
Lee Murphy, managing director at The Accountancy Partnership, said fluctuating workloads was one of the biggest financial risks for self-employed tradespeople.
Murphy said: “Unlike larger construction firms that may have a steady pipeline of projects, self-employed professionals often rely on smaller contracts or short-term work.
“That means income can vary significantly from month to month.”
“When households and businesses are feeling financial pressure, construction projects and renovations are often delayed.
“That creates a ripple effect throughout the industry, particularly for self-employed builders who depend on a steady stream of projects.”
Nearly half (46.6%) said inflation and rising household bills had the biggest negative impact on their work, while 31.5% said tax administration and HMRC obligations had also created challenges.
Murphy added: “Self-employed professionals not only have to manage the day-to-day work itself, but also handle tax reporting, invoicing, expenses and business planning.
“When income fluctuates because of inconsistent workloads, it can become much harder to plan ahead financially.”
The survey also found 31.5% said improved work-life balance was the biggest benefit, while 27.4% liked working without a manager.
Murphy said flexibility remained a major reason tradespeople chose freelancing.
He said: “For many skilled tradespeople, self-employment offers the freedom to choose projects, manage their own schedule and build their business in a way that suits them.
“Understanding cash flow, planning ahead for quieter periods and ensuring tax obligations are managed properly can make a huge difference when work levels fluctuate.”
