JOBS in the trade industry have increased throughout the pandemic by 63 per cent, with the top three being joiner/carpenter, builder and cleaner, according to data from CompareNI.com.
Based on a sample of more than 7,000 tradespeople insurance policies, it compiled a top 10 list of trade occupations for 2020 compared them to the 12 months previous.
Topping the list was carpenter/joiner with a 66.6 per cent increase on 2019 followed by builder/bricklayer (up 57.7 per cent) and those working in cleaning positions (up 70.8 per cent).
Handyman moved up from eighth to fifth position and was the biggest overall change with a 123 per cent increase from 2019, followed by painter/decorator with a122.7 per cent increase - the only new entry to the table, in at number 10.
CompareNI.com founder Greg Wilson said: “With people in renovation mode during lockdown, it's no surprise that demand for trade skills is spiking, and it's great news for tradespeople as it could provide opportunities for those recently made redundant.
“The rise in demand for cleaning staff is considerable at 70 per cent year-on-year, and this trend may well persist even after the vaccine is rolled out as companies embrace deep cleans and more thorough hygiene practices for the eventual return to the workplace.
“Tradespeople should they have a comprehensive tradesperson insurance policy or it you’ve just expanded your business and recruited several employees.”
