Workload and new enquiries have fallen in the UK roofing sector, despite some signs of regional and sector-specific resilience, according to the National Federation of Roofing Contractors’ (NFRC) spring 2025 report.
Just over a third (36 per cent) of NFRC members reported increased workloads compared with the same period last year, down from 48 per cent in the final quarter of 2024.
New enquiries also fell slightly, with 33 per cent reporting a rise and 27 per cent a fall.
The slowdown coincides with wider economic pressures including inflationary volatility, increased national insurance costs and minimum wage hikes introduced in April.
These factors have exacerbated delays to project decisions across the industry, already hit by global uncertainty and a rise in UK construction insolvencies, NFRC said.
Roofing contractors operating in the commercial new-build and repair, maintenance and improvement (RM&I) sectors were among the most optimistic, though the proportion reporting workload increases fell sharply from the previous quarter.
Public non-residential workloads were among the hardest hit.
Regionally, the Midlands saw the most stable performance, with a modest increase in workload and fewer firms reporting declines.
By contrast, London and the South, and Yorkshire and the North East saw significant drops in activity.
Recruitment remains a major concern.
Nearly half (47 per cent) of contractors said hiring skilled workers was harder than a year ago.
The most severe shortages were reported among tilers, slaters and built-up felt roofers.
Tender prices have come under pressure, with just over half (54 per cent) reporting increases, down from 68 per cent in the previous quarter.
At the same time, labour and materials costs remained elevated, with 79 per cent and 86 per cent of firms respectively reporting increases.
Late payments continue to dog the sector.
Although 66 per cent of contractors said they were paid on time, nearly a third still faced delays.
Most firms aimed to receive payment within 45 days, but only 73 per cent managed to do so.
Contractors expressed mixed sentiment about the future. While 41 per cent expect workloads to rise over the next year, many remain cautious.
Only 4 per cent of respondents believe government support is adequate, though 90 per cent said they are proud to be NFRC members.
The NFRC has reiterated its call for reform of retention practices and late payment culture in construction.
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Colin Marrs