Economic downturn sees rise in ‘rogue traders’

The number of ‘rogue traders’ operating in Britain has grown considerably during the last 12 months, new research claims.

More than 4.6 million ‘botch’ jobs were reported during the last year, with one in ten Britons reporting having to correct sub-standard work.

Research from Lloyds TSB Insurance out today claims there was a 16 per cent increase in reports of ‘poor work’ during the last 12 months, with the average cost of repairing the damage standing at £460.

Today’s report claims the rash of ‘rogue’ trading is being fuelled by a tougher economic climate, as unqualified workers seek out cash-in-hand jobs and the general public search for offers of work at the lowest possible price.

Research found those aged 45 to 54 are the worst affected, paying an average of £900 to correct the botch jobs done to their property, with West Midlands residents suffering the most.

With nearly a third of victims admitting that they made no checks at all on workers’ qualifications, Lloyds have urged homeowners to confirm traders’ full credentials and avoid the false economy of unqualified labour.

Article from: Birmingham Wired