Almost a third of UK tradespeople and van drivers have considered quitting their job in the past year as longer working hours and financial pressure take their toll, according to new research from Volkswagen.
The survey found that 30% of tradespeople had considered leaving their job over the last 12 months, with younger workers under the most pressure.
Among 18- to 24-year-olds, 45% said they were ready to quit because of working pressures.
Volkswagen says UK tradespeople are now working an average of 9.44 hours per day. That is 51 minutes longer than the 2022 average of 8.59 hours, representing an increase of almost 10%.
Across a working year, that equates to almost an extra month of work.
The survey also found that 44% of tradespeople regularly stress about work/life balance, while 39% are concerned about constant overworking.
The findings come as trades continue to face pressure from rising costs, labour shortages and the need to keep work coming in. Three-quarters of van drivers surveyed said they believe there is a shortage of skilled workers entering the industry.
While the research has been published by Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles, and naturally leads into the company’s own service and warranty offer, the figures highlight a real issue for operators and tradespeople. When working days are already stretched, vehicle downtime becomes even harder to absorb.
Volkswagen says its service plans are designed to reduce unexpected costs and help operators manage scheduled servicing either monthly or upfront.
The company’s 5+ Promise is included as standard on new Transporter, Amarok and California models. For diesel models, this includes five services, three MOTs, a five-year warranty and five years’ roadside assistance. Electric models receive three services, three MOTs, the same five-year warranty and five years’ roadside assistance.
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.”
