One in five tradespeople hit by tool thieves in 2025, Taylor Wimpey cuts wages of joiners and scaffolders, and nearly 90% of injured workers require further support
One in five tradespeople experienced tool theft in 2025, an 8% drop from the previous year.
The report from Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles (VCV) found the average value of stolen tools was £1,700.
However, in 13% of cases, the value of pinched equipment exceeded £3,000, adding significant pressure on businesses and sole traders.
Despite the drop in tool theft cases, UK businesses still had to pick up a £1.7 billion bill for purloined tools last year.
To join the fight against tool theft, attend our Tool Theft Conference on 22nd October. Register here.
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Taylor Wimpey has cut the wages of ‘overpaid’ joiners and scaffolders working in the North East.
The housing developer discovered it was paying around 50 tradespeople about 25% more than national average rates, mostly made up of higher bonuses.
The decision to ask the workers to sign new contracts on reduced terms has drawn fire from Unite.
A spokesperson said it was exploring all avenues to fight this, including industrial action.
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Nearly 90% of injured workers require further support following a workplace accident, claims a report from law firm Slater and Gordon.
The poll of 1,000 workers found that 14% sustained a workplace injury in the last year.
Beyond the initial accident, more than a quarter of those injured required medical treatment or needed time off to recover.
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