AUDIO NEWS: 60% of plumbers have had their tools nicked and fussy customers annoy bathroom fitters

60% of plumbers have had their tools stolen, three quarters of van drivers in favour of switching to electric and bathroom fitters complain about fussy customers, botched DIY and other trades

Nearly two thirds of UK plumbers have had their tools stolen — that’s according to a survey by Wavin.

Just over a third of participants in Wavin’s ‘Behind the Pipes’ survey were in favour of the creation of a national database to track tool ownership, while 32% wanted to make it harder to resell ‘second-hand’ tools.

A third of plumbers supported the introduction of tougher penalties for convicted thieves.

Despite the ongoing threat of tool theft, 60% of those surveyed expressed confidence in the government’s ability to ‘take action’ on the issue.

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Three quarters of van drivers believe that electric models now meet their needs, claims a survey Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles (VWC).

Cheaper running costs was the main reason cited behind wanting to make the switch to an electric van.

The government announced plans earlier this month to extend its plug-in van grant, which offers discounts of up to £5,000, will be available until at least 2027.

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Fussy customers, botched DIY and poor workmanship from fellow tradespeople have topped a list of regular frustrations among bathroom fitters.

The findings, based on a series of interviews by bathroom brand Nuielux, found that indecisive customers, unrealistic budgets and clients ordering wrong or incomplete parts were the most common gripes among installers.

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