UK tradespeople are predicting price increases for customers and clients in 2026, with day rates expected to rise by an average of 9.5%. That’s according to the new “UK State of the Trades 2025–26” report from Jackson Woodturners.
The research, which surveyed over 500 tradespeople nationwide, found that 81% plan to increase their prices in 2026, with nearly a third (32%) intending to raise rates by 11% or more, and one in eleven (9%) planning for increases of 20% or higher.
Trades booked up and in control
The majority (85%) of tradespeople are already fully booked for the rest of 2025, and more than a third (35%) are fully booked until March 2026. In some cases, almost one in five (18%) say their next availability isn’t until April 2026.
Lucie Levesley, director at Jackson Woodturners, said, “This data shows a positive shift in confidence among UK tradespeople. With most booked months in advance, they’re in a position to set prices that reflect their true value and the rising cost of doing business. They work on projects which require a high skill level to ensure the jobs are completed safely and up to code, and so whilst these increases might not be welcomed by consumers, they are in line with the craftsmanship put in and current market demand.”
Carpenters, electricians and handymen leading price hikes
The report highlights a challenging environment in 2025, with 90% of tradespeople reporting disruptions to their work. The top challenges included:
Rising costs (43%)
Customer cancellations (33%)
Late or withheld payments (20%)
These increases reflect both rising material and labour costs and the continued shortage of skilled workers across the UK.
Customer pressure remains high
Despite demand being strong, 85% of tradespeople say customers have pressured them to reduce quotes in 2025, with 1 in 7 experiencing this frequently, while many trades continue to face requests for “cash discounts”, a practice reported by 87% of respondents.
Despite the challenges and pressure from customers to reduce fees, most tradespeople remain optimistic about the year ahead. The majority are confident about the availability of work and are confident about their business finances in 2026.
For further information on the UK State of the Trades 2025-26 study, visit the online report.
