AUDIO NEWS: Rising house prices put financial pressure on tradespeople and Screwfix hunts for the best apprentices

Rising house prices put the financial squeeze on tradespeople, Screwfix launches Trade Apprentice competition and police investigate a 'body' in the back of a scaffolder's truck

Rising house prices and flat wage growth are combining to ramp up financial pressure on tradespeople living in the South East, East Midlands and the North West.

The Skilled Trades Opportunity Index, compiled by Premium Paints highlighted a growing mismatch between where skilled tradespeople are needed and where they can realistically afford to live.

Bill Jarvis, managing director with the paint manufacturer said the data showed “that affordability, not pay, is now the biggest factor shaping where skilled workers choose to live and work.”

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Screwfix has launched its annual search for the best trade apprentice in the country.

The eventual winner will claim a £10,000 trade bundle made of up tools, training and technology. 

The champion’s college will also pick up £2,000 worth of Screwfix vouchers.

The competition is open to trade apprentices enrolled in college either as full-time students or working a part time placement with an employer.

To apply click here.

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Police in North London were called to investigate a dead body in the back of a scaffolder's truck this week, only to find it was a fake plastic arm.

The police arrived after a resident spotted what appeared to be an arm hanging out from the tailgate of a truck.

Mark Graham, director with HSS Scaffolding said that the police saw the funny side when they turned up to close the case.

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