AUDIO NEWS: Carpenter left suicidal after tool theft and US tariffs could disrupt industry recovery
Posted: Monday, April 28th, 2025
A 31-year-old carpenter was left feeling worthless and suicidal after £12,000 worth of tools were stolen from his van. Stephen Baker appeared on ITV last week to discuss his ordeal, as new stats revealed that £150 million worth of tools were stolen last year. Baker’s tools were taken from a hired Ford Transit when it was parked outside a hotel. He said the hotel stopped him from taking them inside. In February, Baker joined 400 tradespeople as they drove to Parliament Square in London to demand greater action from the government on tool theft. --- Uncertainty over US tariffs is a threat to the growth of the UK construction sector, claims the Construction Products Association (CPA). The CPA is predicting modest growth throughout this year but admits the concerns over the broader economic situation could have a drag effect on all industrial sectors. Even excluding the impact of tariffs, UK construction output is only expected to recover gradually, registering just 1.9% growth this year, and 3.7% growth in 2026. --- A bricky who had to come off the tools due to a heart attack, has found a new lease of life as a living history interpreter at a museum in Northern Ireland. 46-year-old Marcellus Kearney works at the Navan Centre & Fort, where helps visitors immerse themselves in the Iron Age site. --- To listen to the construction news please click below.
Trending Stories
-
Essex electrician has roundabout signs rejected
A sparkie’s bid to sponsor signs on two roundabouts has been refused by planning chiefs who described them as “clutter”
-
Barbie caused a ‘worldwide’ shortage of pink paint
Barbie needed so much fluorescent pink paint that it caused a worldwide supply shortage for an entire company
-
Builders find body of man murdered in the 1960s and buried in back garden
A woman who bought a South London house was left horrified after builders discovered the body of a man murdered in the 1960s and buried in her garden 14 months after she moved in
-
'Government insulation scheme ruined my home'
A home-owner said his flat has been ruined by black mould caused by a government "green" insulation schem
-
Builder celebrates lottery win by buying his coworkers bacon butties
A builder from Milford Haven who won big on the lottery celebrated his victory by treating all his workmates to a round of bacon rolls
Comments
Add a comment