Norwich plumber shortage causing huge waits for homeowners

For plumber Richard Wittey, owner of Norwich-based firm Royal Flush, being busy isn’t often a cause for complaint.

But over the past six months, the business owner said the surge in demand has created months-long waiting lists for contractors, holding up projects and pushing up costs.

Richard Wittey, owner of Royal Flush Plumbing in Norwich, said the shortage of contractors is making business tricky (Image: Submitted)

He said: “The problem is there aren't enough skilled contractors out there to keep up.

“It's affecting every part of the industry - carpentry, electricians, tilers - so we’re struggling to get jobs finished.

“We’ve even on occasion had to tell customers to find their own tradespeople because nobody in our network is taking advance bookings.

“The result is that customers have to pay more, because the available contractors have put their prices up to make the most of being so busy.”

READ MORE: Norfolk's white van trades 'on brink of bankruptcy'

Mr Wittey blames the shortage on a combination of factors, including fewer young people studying trades, and an exodus of foreign skilled workers after Brexit.

Norwich is the worst city in the UK to hire a skilled contractor, according to specialist insurer Merkel Direct.

The company said demand was outstripping supply in nine different trades, with the plumbing, carpentry, and brick laying industries suffering the biggest shortfalls.

Mr Wittey said he believes the only solution is for the government to make it easier for small businesses like his to take on apprentices.

He said: ”We need more young people to train, but at the moment it's not viable for us to take on an apprentice.

“It’s extra wages we’d have to pay without that person generating any profit.

“Ideally we’d be taking on apprentices, but it needs more funding from the government to make it possible.”