One in three tradespeople consider quitting as longer working days take their toll

Almost one in three UK tradespeople have considered leaving their job over the past year as longer working hours continue to increase pressure on the sector, according to research from Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles.

The survey found that 30% of tradespeople have considered quitting their job in the last 12 months, while the average working day has increased by almost 10% since 2022, rising from 8.59 hours to 9.44 hours a day – an additional 51 minutes.

Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles said the increase equates to almost an extra month of work over the course of a year.

Younger workers appear to be feeling the greatest strain, with 45% of 18 to 24-year-olds saying they have considered leaving their job because of work pressures.

The research also found that 44% of tradespeople regularly worry about their work-life balance, while 39% cited constant overworking as a source of stress.

Three quarters of van drivers surveyed believe there is a shortage of skilled workers entering the industry, highlighting concerns about workforce retention.

Richard Welch, technical training and development manager at Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles, said: “UK tradespeople are facing challenges from all angles, having to work longer days than ever before to survive, the industry is at breaking point. At Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles, we are dedicated to providing vehicles and services that reduce the burden by being reliable business partners to drivers through those long, hard days.”