Householders are more confident that building work, home improvement and decorating will be done on time and to a better standard by older workers.

A study to mark the launch of Saga's small business insurance offering showed that the public prefers to depend on an over 50s electrician, plumber, builder or decorator. Two and a half times more respondents said that they believe someone of this age will do a better job (46% versus 19%). People also thought that an older tradesperson is more reliable than someone under 50 (53% versus 15%).

The study showed that the nation is four times more likely to trust an older tradesperson in their home (45% versus 12%). And a massive eight times more people think an over 50s tradesperson is more honest than one aged under 50 (50% versus 6%).

60% of people also felt that they would have better manners than their younger counterparts and be more likely to tidy up after themselves.

On the whole, householders said they were satisfied with work carried out in their homes. 8% complained about tradespeople aged under 50; 5% about those aged over 50.

Andrew Godsell, chief executive of Saga, says: "Older tradespeople make up a large proportion of the UK workforce and are a group that are set to increase as we work longer.

"It seems that people do value experience when it comes to tradespeople...this is a very positive thing for older workers in the UK."

Source

Electrical and Mechanical Contractor