AUDIO NEWS: Stolen tools find their way to Russia, and Gen Zers feel 'intimidated' calling tradespeople

Expensive surveying kit and drills being stolen and sent to Russia, MP adds weight to FMB campaign for a builders' licence and nearly half Gen Zers feel intimidated calling tradespeople

Tools stolen in the UK are being smuggled to sanctions hit Russia and used by the military, claims a report in The Sun.

A police investigation into organised crime uncovered evidence that surveying equipment worth up to £70,000 has been sent to Russia.

Expensive tunnelling equipment and boring drills have also been targeted by Eastern European crime groups.

The same gangs regularly hit tradespeople’s vans.

Contractor Balfour Beatty recently built a secure location for workers on the Crossrail project to leave their tools rather than take them back to their hotels.

---

Former Skills Minister, Sir John Hayes MP, has joined a campaign to introduce a builder’s license.

The campaign launched by the Federation of Master Builders earlier this year aims to protect consumers from rogue tradespeople.

The MP said the UK could copy the German guild system and argued that licensing would protect consumers and legitimate tradespeople.

The FMB claims rogue traders have cost Britain £4.3 billion over the last five years.

---

Nearly half of Gen Zers admit they find talking to tradespeople on the phone ‘intimidating.’

The research by Checkatrade found that Gen Zers preferred to enlist their parents or landlords to speak with tradies on their behalf.

Almost a third of survey respondents said they had work that needed doing at their home, but had put it off due to a reluctance to speak with a tradesperson.

---

To listen to the construction news please click below.