Are construction contractors earning less in the north? Hays Construction gives the latest figures on who is earning what in various regions

The biggest falls in salaries have occurred in the North of England, according to Hays Construction's latest contractors' salary survey.

Richard Hattersley, head of North-east and North-west at Hays, says the market is particularly tough in his region, which has been hit hard by the downturn – especially as it had a long way to fall.

He says: “The roles worst affected are site agents and foremen, and they are all those involving going out on live sites and delivering the building. They’re at the sharp end, so when building work stops they simply aren’t required.” Finishing foremen, who are needed to oversee the installation of elements such as doors and flooring, were in particularly high demand in Leeds, Sheffield, Manchester and Newcastle and many moved to these cities. Now, though, “clients are holding off on the work done by finishing foremen – typically they are in no rush to get this work done as nobody is about to move into the building”.

As with the rest of the country, this contrasts with estimators and others involved in “back office” work, and especially in tendering for new work. “If your job involves putting together bids and the glory of winning jobs – finding the best costings and managing subcontractors – you’re still in demand and your salary’s holding up.” This is exaggerated in the North, he says, because there has always been a shortage of good quality estimators.

Hattersley does think things are improving, however. He says: “We are seeing a rise in temporary and permanent roles. It won’t go back to the levels of 12 months ago but there is movement.” However, he adds that it is “too early for finishing foremen to see a pick up”.

Read the full survey at: The five salaries that have fallen the furthest and Average pay amongst contractors.

Hays Construction salary guide 2009 is conducted over a four-week period by staff at offices across the UK.

Read the full article which appeared in Building Getting through Christmas: Hays contractors' salary survey 2009.