Milton Keynes, UK – 21 October 2025
The nation’s heating and plumbing specialists are bracing for one of their busiest—and potentially most financially challenging—winters yet, with new research from Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles revealing that the trade could collectively miss out on up to £133 million in lost revenue over the coming months.
According to the survey, 67% of UK van drivers—many of whom represent essential trades such as plumbing and heating—turn down at least one job per month, citing limited availability, long travel times, and low economic viability as key factors. With winter on the horizon, that figure is expected to climb as cold weather drives a surge in emergency call-outs.
Cold Weather, Hot Demand
Between November and February, 85% of plumbers and heating engineers report a sharp rise in service requests, as plunging temperatures lead to burst pipes, frozen systems and boiler failures. Yet, as demand peaks, the UK’s skilled trade workforce remains stretched thin.
Industry data indicates that as many as 73,700 new plumbers are needed by 2032 to meet the nation’s growing needs—underscoring the widening skills gap in the sector. Currently, around 150,000 qualified plumbers are active across the UK, but many homeowners still struggle to secure timely help when things go wrong.
The Cost of Missed Call-Outs
Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles’ analysis shows that the average repair cost for a burst pipe during winter is around £330, including materials. With the industry’s capacity already maxed out, the shortage of available plumbers could lead to tens of thousands of missed jobs—equating to a potential £133 million in unrealised earnings this winter alone.
Keeping the Trade Moving
Craig Cavanagh, National Fleet Manager at Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles, said:
“With plumbers so sought after during the cold months, it is more important than ever that the trade minimise downtime and make it to as many call-outs as they can.
“Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles customers can benefit from 24-hour roadside assistance, mobile servicing, and extended opening hours, offering peace of mind during the busiest season of the year.”
Supporting the Backbone of Britain’s Trades
Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles continues to provide tailored support for tradespeople across the UK, ensuring they can stay on the road and meet growing customer demand. From rugged and efficient vans like the Transporter, Caddy, and Crafter, to a suite of fleet management solutions, the brand’s commitment helps keep vital services moving—even in the harshest conditions.
For more information on Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles’ full range of products and aftersales support, visit your local Van Centre, or head to www.volkswagen-vans.co.uk.
