Jessica O'ConnorConfidence in the UK economy among plumbing and heating firms has fallen to its lowest level on record, according to new data from the Plumbing and Heating Federation.
Only 6% of businesses expressed optimism about the economic outlook, while pessimism rose sharply to 64%, up from 49% in Q2 and 46% a year earlier.
The figures come just weeks before the Autumn Budget, as the sector calls for measures to restore business confidence, support skills development and encourage investment.
Fiona Hodgson, chief executive of he Plumbing and Heating Federation, said: “Although I am relieved to see confidence in our industry has remained relatively steady over the last quarter, the collapse in optimism for the wider UK economy is striking.
“It reflects a deeper malaise being felt across construction, especially in housebuilding, where repeated government promises of a renaissance have yet to materialise.”
Despite the broader downturn in confidence, the report highlighted pockets of resilience within the trade.
Trading activity in Q3 improved, with 37% of firms reporting they were busier than expected.
Order books have also strengthened, with 32% expecting higher or much higher workloads over the next six months, compared with 17% in Q2 and 18% in Q3 2024.
However, the federation warned that these gains may be short-lived as speculation grows around potential income tax rises in the Autumn Budget.
Such measures could reduce household spending power, affecting demand for domestic plumbing and heating work.
Hodgson added: “When people are unsure about their disposable income, they delay spending on planned home upgrades and essential maintenance.
“That has a direct impact on our members, many of whom work in domestic settings and rely on customer confidence. The profession is doing its part to stay resilient, but the government must now do its part to support it.
“We need a Budget that backs working people, builds business confidence and invests in the skilled workforce that will drive recovery. Without it, we risk pushing stability further out of reach.”
