Is the UK electrical sector weathering the Covid-19 storm?

There’s no denying that Covid-19 has ravaged the UK economy with many jobs lost in various sectors. However, new data from Screwfix has suggested that UK tradespeople, which includes electricians, are weathering the storm, and are either at the same or better business levels than they were 12 months ago. 

The research was undertaken independently on behalf of Screwfix, but appears to suggest that the UK electrical industry has been stunningly resilient throughout the Covid-19 pandemic. In fact, of the plumbers, electricians, builders and carpenters who were questioned in Screwfix’s Trade Pulse index, 56% say they are preparing as many quotes for jobs as they were this time last year, while a shocking 32% said they were busier than expected. 

Additionally, thanks to the key worker designation bestowed upon electricians, many continued to work during the UK’s lockdown. While there aren’t specific numbers for those working in the electrical sector, some 72% of UK tradespeople continued to work during April, while that rose to 77% in May. 

All these figures paint an optimistic future for the UK electrical sector over the next 12 months, with more than two thirds of respondents expecting business activity to remain the same or improve. 

However, despite the rosy reading, some areas of the electrical sector will inevitably do better than others. That’s why the likes of SELECT and the ECA have released all sorts of support for the industry during this trying time.