Speaking in the House of Commons last week he outlined government plans to invest £1.2 billion extra in policing and introduce 13,000 neighbourhood police officers to “focus on crimes that impact communities the most”.

He also added that the justice secretary Shabana Mahood would look at the details carefully.

The PM was responding to a question from Portsmouth North, MP, Amanda Martin who is lobbying for tougher sentences for tool thieves.

To sign her petition go visit here.

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The number of electricians is projected to fall by a third by 2038, unless urgent action is taken, warns a report from JTL.

The research, compiled in partnership with ECA and other trade bodies, claims that the electrical workforce has already declined by 26% since 2018, to just 158,000. 

Despite a small increase in apprenticeship starts, to around 7,500, the figure is insufficient to replace those leaving the workforce. 

Approximately 10,500 apprenticeships are needed annually to meet industry demand.

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A Worcestershire-based tradesman is running 5k every day in May to raise awareness about the industry’s mental health crisis.

Joe Baker, who runs Second City Screed, has been inspired by his own personal battle with addiction and mental health.

He is raising money for The Lost City campaign, A Band of Builders and Construction Sport.

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