Some people are cancelling jobs not because they dont want to be infected, but just because they might need the money in few months time since they do not have the security of having an income by that time
Hi Chris, I'm in Didcot, and a niche sort of spark/ installer for a big security screening company so not registered and can't do my own testing etc or domestics. I need an EICR and have a few bits I want done at home and would happily pay in advance to float you through these shit times. Im lucky enough to be salaried and have private health cover so if you want to get in touch, message me and then do the work in the summer and film it if you like! ? Ill hide in the van whilst you quote the work. Just like the hairdresser, I know I need it done so....... Best of luck to you mate, The Beard
@@Mike_5 No I cant be mate, Im still sweating about not having beam calcs for the extension opening !! Plaster is dry so theres no going back now .....
I’m mainly domestic/commercial got a few new builds luckily ready next week for 1st fix which should keep me ticking over for a couple of weeks. I’m hoping 12 apartments that I first fixed before Christmas are ready for second fixing, which should hopefully see me through it. However I’ve still to order all the gear for them and I’ve already notice that my wholesaler is struggling to get a hold of certain things as quick as they normally can. If they are not ready honestly going to be a struggle as I’ve already had a few jobs being cancelled/delayed.
"It’s affecting all tradesmen across the uk." True. But it's also affecting tradesmen everywhere. Best Regards from Finland. Electrician myself, still having work tho, have a few new buildings that I need to finish and they are in the middle of nowhere (they are summer vacation houses) and we are only two people working there, me and a carpenter
ran my own electrical business for 8 Years. Over the years you go quiet and start to panic but then it picks up and all of a sudden there's not enough days in the week. This one though feels different and I do feel worried :-(
This is exactly why it is a good reason for trades to ask for deposits when taking bookings into our schedules. Ive been doing it for years now and honestly people don’t mind, the very few who don’t probably are the dodgers. So it also acts as a shit work/job filter.
I'm renovating my house pretty much single handed (see channel) but I'm still employing guys to do bits I can't do. Important to keep them in work. Just be sensible and keep things going - thats the way foward.
Think the main problem is, people dont want contractors starting work yet as they dont know when they will have the money to pay them if they have been stopped from working.
I work for a firm covering social housing repairs I’ve had loads of people who have refused access as they are self isolating which is fair enough just stay safe and take care that’s all you can do I don’t want to spread the virus if I can avoid it
@@leonblittle226 that interest rate will never be passed on to us, the banks and the rich will only get richer and when this is over they can buy up all the ones that went under for next to nothing.
Trouble is with peoples work stopping and nobody knows what’s happening with wages if they get made redundant then they have mortgages need paying and food if work is closed then nobody has money to spend. Everybody will go in lock down until it gets sorted
Non sparky point of view. No consolation I know, and this isn't meant to sound like hardship top trumps, but myself and others that work in corporate live events (conferences and awards etc) as self employed techies are in an industry that has pretty much closed down for the foreseeable future and even when things get back to some sort of normality for everyone else it will be quite some time before companies are going to be spending. Best guess at present is probably six months after companies start making money again, that's if it ever goes back to normal! We need our individual trade associations for all sole traders to be lobbying the shit out of government or we will, as usual, get forgotten. Stay safe.
I work in a NHS mental health community team, just been redeployed to a more frontline role. More risk, but at least I don't have the financial worry self employed/gig economy works have. What's happening in 3 months? Fudge knows.
Its not just the trades working. In clients houses, I heard from a local building material supplier that they are struggling with getting materials in so they may have to close and I've no doubt others suppliers could struggle so stock may run low at wholesalers. I also work in social housing doing electrical maintenance repairs and have tried to keep my distance as much as possible from the tenants when working in there properties, it may be a time to wear gloves and mask more
We need to repair roads, infrastructure and help farmers. I think the government should pay for anyone still healthy to do solo jobs like fixing the billion potholes, repainting road markings and cleaning all litter/fly tipping on our fair green island 🌴
@@cheechU38K haha our councils dont want them filled hp byhand they will never pay for a truck. Not arguing though they should have to fix it weather they want to or not
Luckily it’s still really busy and clients are still contacting me but I do get the feeling it could break at anytime. We were supposed to go to Scotland for a week on holiday at the end of March but we’ve cancelled it in case this escalates further, so there’s the patio to be laid😫😄
I’ve been in touch with the guy from the bank who manages my accounts. I’ve asked him to let me know the minute he hears about the Government loan scheme for small businesses. If you’ve not done so already, I’d urge everyone to do the same and keep pushing the banks for information. Money will be made available, it’s a matter of getting in there and making sure the banks don’t just hoard it. 😡
Well nice to know there is help and we have to be positive. But lets be realistic any loan will need paying back and at interest. I note someone mentioned on face book they are offering help to the self employed with UC but it no different to normal if you have a partner working their wage is taken into account . I lost my job last June , work injury could only claim ESA for 5mths had an assessment then nothing. Cannot claim Job Seekers , or universal credit as being self employed Class 2 and 3 stamps do not contribute to welfare payments despite having 40 years + national contributions class 2. Government have no respect for s/e workers only contempt. Quite sickens me , i don't care if you are a green / yellow or a blue asylum seeker you get free dental care , money , accommodation.e.t.c Yet if you pay into the system 40 years you get NOTHING !!!! I am not being racist as i said an asylum seeker could be red , purple or green. It just high lights the entrepreneurs and indigenous population are kicked in the teeth while they are down on the ground . Rant over. Be positive but be careful of false promises.
Good on you for bringing to the fore. This is affecting real life people NOW. All I will add, is that, as a human race, anyone who has yet to have gone through adverse situations, stick with it and take each day as it comes. It’s sometimes hard to stay positive but we will all get through this and come out the other side.
I'm not a sparky but I am in the building as a bricky and as far as I'm aware the government are talking about trying to keep the construction sector running for as long as they possibly can with a view to trying not to shut it down if possible. How true this is I'm not sure but most of the sites I know of and the one I'm working on are carrying on as normal untill they hear otherwise. I know this doesn't help you because your mass majority of work is domestic based but it might be a case of trying to drop on site for the next couple of weeks to see how things pan out. I know some sites have closed but that's not through being forced to that's some firms doing it off there own backs. Us working class lads in the trade no matter what trade it is normally live week to week I know I do with a family at home to support and the financial pressures of every day living are going to be in a bad place if they stop everything and go on full lockdown...if that's the case they really need to not only look after the employed but the self employed are equally important and need to be looked after aswell let's hope the government do the right thing by everyone in this time of crisis. Best of luck mate stay safe hope you can get some work sorted and keep the money coming in really enjoy your content my thoughts are with you and all our fellow trades who are struggling at the moment.
They say theirs Grant's available for small businesses because of this but let's be honest we will have to jump through hoops for that and by the time its processed and you've provided paperwork the length of the great wall it will be September and they will say oh theirs no more money or give you peanuts . Not to mention if you have recently been paid invoices they say well use that not taking into consideration your accounts Bill's etc .
I do work for quite a few agents and iv had jobs quoted and excepted and now all work is completed the landlord are questioning the invoice...basically dont to pay as I doubt they will be getting any rent over the next few months...problem is these jobs are woth a good 4 grand...🤷♂️
What I want to know is any government help gonna be means tested? If we have savings for example will we be expected to spend that before any grants or loans or mortgage holidays?
In NZ, our goverment is giving billions to business owners who have seen a 30% drop in income a weekly top-up to cover the cost of living. We have also been advised if we are able to work from home, we should be working from home. our country has a alert system in place with four levels; we are currently at alert level Level 2, contained but high risk of community transmission. I think level three will occur in the next week or two.
Yea it's starting to be a problem also here in the Isle of man, we had our first case of covid19 yesterday and the phone its allready gone quiet, its gonna be a hard few months, and I hope I will still have a job
I work for a big electrical company we mainly do London pubs restaurant chains been getting slower and slower all called into office Monday 3 day week no overtime not looking good
We need to protect our cash flow, I would not let anyone get more than a couple of days of my time before some kind of payment, and materials - they can pay up front.
I didn’t want to thumbs up this but I just want to acknowledge that I’m listening. I tarmac roads and refurbished the odd property. We need to hang in there.
I am really struggling with the work coming in my own business and I have just lost 7 customer's because over the Corona virus Chris is hard and I have Corona virus
Were I am in Scotland we have a very high infection rate and were told isolate asap. I am lucky to have some money set by but am only 5 years in on my own. Every Job stopped and it looks like we all are getting no help from the government. We are entitled to £94 a week that's it🤷♂️. Am also in the position that I have a auto-immune disease which puts me in the high risk category. Fuck knows I will have to go and do the jobs I can to pay for the house, car and wedding 😔
Calum Clark Jesus buddy that’s rough, I’m in Ireland & it’s so weird at the moment all shops n Restaraunts are closed the last week, I’m still flat out with work we’re finishing a job to give extra beds to the hospitals but like that when are they going to say close it all down. The walks, parks etc are packed as people are bored
@@county582 yeah its shit, Its great the Irish Gov are doing for you as it's at least a half decent wage in the scheme of things we are screwed here I am in shetland island we have the highest rate of infection in the uk. And only have 30 beds and 2 ventilators and have at least 200+ cases the worst of which was flown to Aberdeen today Too top it off am now having to look to my mum, dad who have covid-19 and my grandfather who is back home after radiotherapy and no immune system. Its nuts I haven't got the option now to stay home as they need taking care of and as of next week will need to get back to work to get money in knowing if I get it more than likely it's best case scenario hospital worst case a very long sleep. The misses works to the nhs and is stressing so it's all adding up Bizarre thing is you would think trades would be helped as much as possible by the government as if anything breaks we have to fix it. But you have Leo and co, we have BoJo the clown
Same thing here in ireland buddy . Jobs cancelled since 10th onwards . Its nuts . Something much bigger going on here . Have been on the road since 2005 never seen things this bad . And its given everyone the chance not to pay outstanding bills
Most of us self employed are going to suffer big time , I've had 9 cancellations since Monday and no new work coming in , the problem I foresee is potential customers trying it on when you price a job and they want a big discount because they will know that a lot of people will be desperate to get work and they will take advantage of that.......😡
Thoughts and Prayers to All , we in a very difficult time ahead, it’s the uncertainty that will make it more difficult as we are unable to plan for any of this . 🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽 God Bless to ALL.
Got 4 guys also bud got a 35 new build site on the go no signs of shutting down yet until forced. As a business owner I’m concerned but I’m hopeful it will blow over quickly.
I work as a maintenance electrician, earlier this week we were told that we were going on a 4 day week. Today I went in to be handed my redundancy and the rest of the work force on 3 days. My worry is I won't find employment until this blows over.
Texaco!!! I haven’t seen one of those since I was a kid. Most of the Texas Co. gas stations were bought out in Oklahoma and North Texas. Not sure about southern Texas it’s a 10hr drive from Tulsa to Houston and only 4hr to Dallas!!!
I work for social housing company, they have still got us going into houses doing eicrs. We arent 100% comfortable with it. They have said from next week all non critical work will be push back indefinitely. So where does that leave our testing team? So much uncertainty.
We're in the same boat steve. Testing spark myself and concentrate on EICR's. So much uncertainty. Will they put you on voids? We're being told we are going to do voids.
@@MysticShiv3r we only have so many voids, the turnaround time for our voids is about 20 days and theres a dedicated team doing shitty eicrs in them. I cant see them needing us tbh.
Uncertainty is the problem- after hearing Boris this evening I think there is a plan in place to help small businesses - £10k grants available but not sure the details
Hill Billy I’ve got a business premises which is business rates exempt so reading the government website the local authorities will give grants of £10k to help pay rents etc - more announcements tomorrow from the chancellor on a package for workers -
Sickens me, all year long the government is only too happy to take your vat, your stamp, your next years earnings in advance, your end of year tax, etc and what do you get in return, f**k all when you need it, means tested, so I have to use up my savings, thanks for nothing.
Great video.It is scary what is going on probably because we don't know how this will pan out.Im hoping we can recover from this very soon.My thoughts are with all trades at this time.
Last I heard there was supposed to be an announcement from the government over what help they're giving to self employed, hopefully they won't leave it too long so we're not left in limbo
Feel your pain I've had jobs cancelled soon after PM announcement from monday night phone was off the hook. Been twindling my thumbs trying to chase jobs but like you said everyone being super vigilant or saving on the cash. Hopefully we can come out of this sooner than later, Stay safe everyone!!! God speed !!!!
From Ireland, follow you closely, I think GB should have shut down sooner. Pretty much up shit creek without a paddle after this. Hopefully we all get thru it, it's gonna be devastating for all.
I had to do an EICR in an old lady's house. So i went there and did my job. I'll bill her and she says that she's not paying me. I asked her why and she said because of the coronavirus. I was trying to convince her to pay but she didn't. What can I do?
Sold my vending business in January because I’ve had health problems for the last 2 years and I shutter in fear now at the though of filling apartment machines, the disgusting dollars and coins and phlegm flecked glass.
I've just moved house, 150miles as the crow flies. Sole trader like yourself. Had a friend of a friend up here who was struggling for time to get through all the work, keen to get me involved, and the dad of another friend who wants most of his house rewiring. Sounded like a great start to me! That's all dead now of course. Thought my first full day up here I'd go out to buy a bed, instead I'm resigned to sleeping on a 30 year old single mattress on the floor to save money because I daren't buy anything non-essential until I've got paid work coming in. Chased out a bunch of walls ready to rewire my new house, but cable and accessories cost money I daren't part with right now.
Hi chris,can’t be exactly accurate without tests but I’m at home now for 14 days with my family,persistently coughing and respiratory issues,I already have lung issues with asthma,I’m in the same boat no income already phoned the gov up and told Because like you I’m a sole trader I’m only in titled to universal credit which is absolutely poor,worst still my wife has been made redundant,and just last night my van was broken into and all my tools have gone now I’m falling into financial troubles
All businesses and the self employed should hopefully no more by tomorrow when the chancellor makes his speech. Please remember that customers are holding back not just for health reasons but because they are also facing financial uncertainty. Keep your chins up, the more we adhere to the government advice the sooner things will get back to normal.
paul lyons Hi Paul - Mark From Brecon, how is Nick and all? PM me if so are you ok for supplies got plenty of loo roll and rice here. If you need it...?
something that would fix this problem for many people, me included would be having testing kits widely available, an abundance of them ffs then you get a whole part of the population that's had the virus and they're clear. That's loads of people who can go to peoples houses, can visit the elderly, can help other people without the worry of passing it on and doing harm. test kits. . . ffs!
tall, dork and hungsome except they aren’t available by the million and have to be manufactured. Let’s be sensible, it takes time, nobody has a magic wand.
Hi Chris I fully understand what your saying I run a business doing property maintenance in London and as you would think London is a place you not lose work trust me it is I like you have had people cancel on me and just today I had one more person push back a job it’s hard out there and when you do have bills to pay and the rest of it you do find it hard there is one estate agent that I do you work for but at the moment they have stopped all works happening in any properties that they manage due to the coronavirus I have and many others have lost work I am unsure what direction to look in with this crisis going on Anyhow great video great content I look forward to the next one thank you you’re a great electrician and if you was in London I will definitely get you to do some work
It feels like a bad dream dude. However, there will be strain on many sectors that people will be able to re-deploy skills to. Maybe not in their trade but I am already seeing many adverts for temp employment. Perhaps the trade/day job will have to take a back seat for a few months until this has all blown over. Your valued clients will think no less of your skills when things are back to some sense of normality and we can all just crack on.
I work up London. I’m a apprentice in my final year just brought a place, my partner isn’t working because of other reasons, but I’ve been off work since Tuesday because someone came in to site saying “who yeah I’m going home was with someone who might have it” I’m scared to work I’m scared I will lose my home and I’m scared I will lose my job/apprenticeship I’ve not done domestic work and I feel that I need to start something up to get some money in but there is nothing. Sorry for the long comment I watch these channels because I learn domestic work and it enjoyable but this is scary. If anyone has advice that would be great Stay safe
Things government are offering so far: loans (via banks, govt backs the loan), grants (£10K or £25K depends on size of business), VAT deferral, CT deferral, PAYE employees can be suspended and govt will cover 80% of the wages for the employer up to £2.5K/month. And for the self employed, freelancers and zero hours.. basically so far f-all apart from ~£95/week on UC and that's means tested.
It's hysteria. No one should cancel appointments they have made with you. Customers who do that should be pushed to the back of the queue (or however you punish bad customers).
Punish the 80 year old for worrying about her health, or the 50 year old who works in a care home - people have many reasons to be concerned and thank god they are. The government needs to step in, don’t attack your customers for trying to do the right thing.
In these difficult times there’s nothing worse than some clients getting funny or playing silly games when it comes to payment. We all learn valuable lessons in life through experience and as such, no matter how tempting it may be, never take away anything that isn’t yours, never damage or deface anything deliberately because that’s criminal and you could be prosecuted. Instead, be subtle if you can, and if it’s at all possible to disable supply or a few of the circuits, discreetly without leaving anything that might cause harm, that usually persuades them to settle up quite quickly. I’ve had that in recent weeks and it’s very unusual for me to have to take such drastic action, but be careful. We as sparks will always have our emergency call outs or other times where a need for a spark is essential. We won’t be out of pocket for long. Hold on in there this won’t last forever. Be parsimonious with money and do without certain luxuries if you can. Best of luck to you all. Be safe.
Great video, saying exactly what we all feel at present. Strange times but I am sure we can all come through it. People are scared at present but need to understand with correct hygiene and decreased exposure people can manage safely.
I have jobs booked over the next month and half which I can reschedule, I have spoken to customers and we are being flexible regards symptoms, illness etc.. night before each job I call, text email etc.... ask them if they have symptoms etc and i tell them I am so far clear. no other way at the moment. I do think though that the suppliers are going to take a big whack as they give materials on credit but if the trade aint getting paid the supplier is bottom of the list after children, rent, bills etc...
I have been fairly busy. There has been a massive Serge of work for me from estate agents. I guess trying to get everything done how knows. Unfortunately I haven't completed my first year of trading I couldn't afford not to be working
I don't know what your profit margin is - but you could maybe offer a discount for any work that starts in say the next two weeks and that might tempt some people to commit. Be up front about mitigation measures you will take, such as distancing or wearing gloves. In some situations it may be possible to isolate the working area from the living area (for example work in a garage) for a period greater than the virus can survive on surfaces and work without any direct interaction with the client - may be enough to persuade someone to proceed. Review any cancelled jobs with the client to see whether a bit of discussion about practical measures is enough to change someone's mind. It will help if you can point to other jobs where this approach has been accepted - it's surprising how strong herd instinct is. You may need an opener to get the discussion going that indicates something has changed, like "we have developed a new approach to working that may be helpful to some customers who are concerned about isolation". Anything that gives them confidence in your professionalism is going to be helpful here - how much do they believe you are going to take care. Thanks for all the videos & good luck.
Hi Chris, had every job this week cancelled/postponed and same over next few weeks and i am the same i have two other lads and things have been tight for the last two years and am the same...I NEED THE TOILET PAPER...lol. But serious if this lasts for any more than 6 weeks i will be finished, but it is what it is and we have too tuff it out i guess...i have had no support from the banks, some help from the credit cards...today just but only short term. Lets see what they do for us small businesses eh...Pisses me off when the big companies get handouts but we can borrow at a reasonable term...but lets see what pans out eh...Chin up everyone...Least Asda need temp delivery drivers...lol 😜🤞
Give it a couple of weeks and when they realise if they wait for covid19 to not exist they will be waiting along time,,so they just get the work done anyway
My work in web dev and unfortunately my company has closed down completely 20 full time staff lost their jobs before the government had even made a statement -_-
Thomas Gregory sorry to heart that, there are quite a few businesses out there are crying for help to make remote working smoother - get onto that I’d suggest, just helping businesses understand some of the tools out there is in high demand, tools you’re probably familiar with
Come off it. If you are a tradie that's any good , you havent been on minimum wages these last years. I've been self employed for 11 years , I save at least half of my income every year and stick it in the bank. This doesnt mean I spaff it up on some speculative property via a mortgage deposit, neither have I bought shares or bitcoins... and neither do I choose to live in london spaffing up a fortune on some arshols btl pension. I save and save and save . For my entire adult life I've always made a point of maintaining a bank balance providing at least one years income for when times are hard. Times are now going to be hard - but harder still is getting used to all these bleating hard done by tradies who talk about not being able to pay the mortgage. Who told you or forced you to take on that massive debt ? I look at houses in the uk , and I think - fk that ! That's way over priced. Others think , yeah but it will only go up in value, so let's pis up my life savings on a deposit and forget the rainy day fund .... Well it's only spitting now , but soon enough it will be fking pouring and I ain't got the slightest sympathy. I've done the riigt thing by eschewing all and any debt and just save my money instead- I ain't got no worries...in fact I only hope the mother of all recessions finds it's way upon us - weve seen share prices drop 30 per cent plus ,,, house prices will surely follow on. Happy days indeed!!!!!!!
I never said anything about my savings so please don’t assume anything. I know lots of self employed tradesman that subcontract for bigger firms that live week by week so don’t give me that bullshit about saving half your yearly wage. Not all are in the same boat. Stay well and god bless.
Some people are cancelling jobs not because they dont want to be infected, but just because they might need the money in few months time since they do not have the security of having an income by that time
Hi Chris, I'm in Didcot, and a niche sort of spark/ installer for a big security screening company so not registered and can't do my own testing etc or domestics. I need an EICR and have a few bits I want done at home and would happily pay in advance to float you through these shit times. Im lucky enough to be salaried and have private health cover so if you want to get in touch, message me and then do the work in the summer and film it if you like! ? Ill hide in the van whilst you quote the work. Just like the hairdresser, I know I need it done so....... Best of luck to you mate, The Beard
Are you Prince Andrew in disguise?!
@@Mike_5 No I cant be mate, Im still sweating about not having beam calcs for the extension opening !! Plaster is dry so theres no going back now .....
I’m mainly domestic/commercial got a few new builds luckily ready next week for 1st fix which should keep me ticking over for a couple of weeks.
I’m hoping 12 apartments that I first fixed before Christmas are ready for second fixing, which should hopefully see me through it.
However I’ve still to order all the gear for them and I’ve already notice that my wholesaler is struggling to get a hold of certain things as quick as they normally can. If they are not ready honestly going to be a struggle as I’ve already had a few jobs being cancelled/delayed.
"It’s affecting all tradesmen across the uk." True. But it's also affecting tradesmen everywhere. Best Regards from Finland. Electrician myself, still having work tho, have a few new buildings that I need to finish and they are in the middle of nowhere (they are summer vacation houses) and we are only two people working there, me and a carpenter
Correct sorry I know this is a world wide epidemic I was just specifically targeting the UK
ran my own electrical business for 8 Years. Over the years you go quiet and start to panic but then it picks up and all of a sudden there's not enough days in the week. This one though feels different and I do feel worried :-(
It is different. We haven't faced a threat like this since the second world war :/
Could be the start of a new type of war. Scary.
This is exactly why it is a good reason for trades to ask for deposits when taking bookings into our schedules. Ive been doing it for years now and honestly people don’t mind, the very few who don’t probably are the dodgers. So it also acts as a shit work/job filter.
Decent and reasonable solution there mate. Very good . Makes sense.
I'm renovating my house pretty much single handed (see channel) but I'm still employing guys to do bits I can't do. Important to keep them in work. Just be sensible and keep things going - thats the way foward.
Think the main problem is, people dont want contractors starting work yet as they dont know when they will have the money to pay them if they have been stopped from working.
I work for a firm covering social housing repairs I’ve had loads of people who have refused access as they are self isolating which is fair enough just stay safe and take care that’s all you can do I don’t want to spread the virus if I can avoid it
Apparently in France the self employed are getting up to €1,500 a month from the government.
I have a friend in France and this is the case
The French gov have said they will not let any business fail. FFS Boris, get with the program!!!
Anglo Fire not an easy one is it!
@@leonblittle226 that interest rate will never be passed on to us, the banks and the rich will only get richer and when this is over they can buy up all the ones that went under for next to nothing.
Trouble is with peoples work stopping and nobody knows what’s happening with wages if they get made redundant then they have mortgages need paying and food if work is closed then nobody has money to spend. Everybody will go in lock down until it gets sorted
Non sparky point of view. No consolation I know, and this isn't meant to sound like hardship top trumps, but myself and others that work in corporate live events (conferences and awards etc) as self employed techies are in an industry that has pretty much closed down for the foreseeable future and even when things get back to some sort of normality for everyone else it will be quite some time before companies are going to be spending. Best guess at present is probably six months after companies start making money again, that's if it ever goes back to normal! We need our individual trade associations for all sole traders to be lobbying the shit out of government or we will, as usual, get forgotten. Stay safe.
I work in a NHS mental health community team, just been redeployed to a more frontline role. More risk, but at least I don't have the financial worry self employed/gig economy works have.
What's happening in 3 months? Fudge knows.
Feels like we're In a crappy B grade disaster movie ..
.
Hopefully things go ok for you. The TH-cam videos are great , I enjoy watching them each week hope you still continue doing them!
Its not just the trades working. In clients houses, I heard from a local building material supplier that they are struggling with getting materials in so they may have to close and I've no doubt others suppliers could struggle so stock may run low at wholesalers.
I also work in social housing doing electrical maintenance repairs and have tried to keep my distance as much as possible from the tenants when working in there properties, it may be a time to wear gloves and mask more
We need to repair roads, infrastructure and help farmers. I think the government should pay for anyone still healthy to do solo jobs like fixing the billion potholes, repainting road markings and cleaning all litter/fly tipping on our fair green island 🌴
Two man gangs on the road
Ashley Rohleder I’ve seen in America they have a truck than can fix potholes while still in cab. Safer than being on our dangerous roads on foot.
@@cheechU38K haha our councils dont want them filled hp byhand they will never pay for a truck. Not arguing though they should have to fix it weather they want to or not
Ashley Rohleder yeah I think Europe should pay as all their HGV’s are up to 44 tons
👍🏼 Yeah... it's hard at the moment. And it doesn't look like improving any time soon. Thanks for the vid Chris, and for your concern.
Luckily it’s still really busy and clients are still contacting me but I do get the feeling it could break at anytime.
We were supposed to go to Scotland for a week on holiday at the end of March but we’ve cancelled it in case this escalates further, so there’s the patio to be laid😫😄
I’ve been in touch with the guy from the bank who manages my accounts. I’ve asked him to let me know the minute he hears about the Government loan scheme for small businesses. If you’ve not done so already, I’d urge everyone to do the same and keep pushing the banks for information. Money will be made available, it’s a matter of getting in there and making sure the banks don’t just hoard it. 😡
Well nice to know there is help and we have to be positive. But lets be realistic any loan will need paying back and at interest. I note someone mentioned on face book they are offering help to the self employed with UC but it no different to normal if you have a partner working their wage is taken into account . I lost my job last June , work injury could only claim ESA for 5mths had an assessment then nothing. Cannot claim Job Seekers , or universal credit as being self employed Class 2 and 3 stamps do not contribute to welfare payments despite having 40 years + national contributions class 2. Government have no respect for s/e workers only contempt. Quite sickens me , i don't care if you are a green / yellow or a blue asylum seeker you get free dental care , money , accommodation.e.t.c Yet if you pay into the system 40 years you get NOTHING !!!!
I am not being racist as i said an asylum seeker could be red , purple or green. It just high lights the entrepreneurs and indigenous population are kicked in the teeth while they are down on the ground . Rant over. Be positive but be careful of false promises.
Good on you for bringing to the fore. This is affecting real life people NOW. All I will add, is that, as a human race, anyone who has yet to have gone through adverse situations, stick with it and take each day as it comes. It’s sometimes hard to stay positive but we will all get through this and come out the other side.
I'm not a sparky but I am in the building as a bricky and as far as I'm aware the government are talking about trying to keep the construction sector running for as long as they possibly can with a view to trying not to shut it down if possible. How true this is I'm not sure but most of the sites I know of and the one I'm working on are carrying on as normal untill they hear otherwise. I know this doesn't help you because your mass majority of work is domestic based but it might be a case of trying to drop on site for the next couple of weeks to see how things pan out. I know some sites have closed but that's not through being forced to that's some firms doing it off there own backs. Us working class lads in the trade no matter what trade it is normally live week to week I know I do with a family at home to support and the financial pressures of every day living are going to be in a bad place if they stop everything and go on full lockdown...if that's the case they really need to not only look after the employed but the self employed are equally important and need to be looked after aswell let's hope the government do the right thing by everyone in this time of crisis. Best of luck mate stay safe hope you can get some work sorted and keep the money coming in really enjoy your content my thoughts are with you and all our fellow trades who are struggling at the moment.
They say theirs Grant's available for small businesses because of this but let's be honest we will have to jump through hoops for that and by the time its processed and you've provided paperwork the length of the great wall it will be September and they will say oh theirs no more money or give you peanuts .
Not to mention if you have recently been paid invoices they say well use that not taking into consideration your accounts Bill's etc .
03003030660
Theirs the telephone number but they are saying Monday before stuff will be on their website
I do work for quite a few agents and iv had jobs quoted and excepted and now all work is completed the landlord are questioning the invoice...basically dont to pay as I doubt they will be getting any rent over the next few months...problem is these jobs are woth a good 4 grand...🤷♂️
Mate all gone tits up my end too , lost so much work next wk and beyond 😔
I'm watching this whilst stranded abroad. Not sure when flights will continue. Difficult times.
@Lucky Joestar I managed to get back home at end of April. I wasn't in the US
What I want to know is any government help gonna be means tested? If we have savings for example will we be expected to spend that before any grants or loans or mortgage holidays?
In NZ, our goverment is giving billions to business owners who have seen a 30% drop in income a weekly top-up to cover the cost of living. We have also been advised if we are able to work from home, we should be working from home. our country has a alert system in place with four levels; we are currently at alert level Level 2, contained but high risk of community transmission. I think level three will occur in the next week or two.
We will get through it ,just knuckle down and do all those jobs around the house you have been putting off.
At least your virus free !
Yea it's starting to be a problem also here in the Isle of man, we had our first case of covid19 yesterday and the phone its allready gone quiet, its gonna be a hard few months, and I hope I will still have a job
Self employed child minder here, this has destroyed our business and there's no help bar universal credit.
I work for a big electrical company we mainly do London pubs restaurant chains been getting slower and slower all called into office Monday 3 day week no overtime not looking good
We need to protect our cash flow, I would not let anyone get more than a couple of days of my time before some kind of payment, and materials - they can pay up front.
I didn’t want to thumbs up this but I just want to acknowledge that I’m listening. I tarmac roads and refurbished the odd property. We need to hang in there.
I am really struggling with the work coming in my own business and I have just lost 7 customer's because over the Corona virus Chris is hard and I have Corona virus
Hope you get through it mate. Fingers crossed.
Were I am in Scotland we have a very high infection rate and were told isolate asap.
I am lucky to have some money set by but am only 5 years in on my own. Every Job stopped and it looks like we all are getting no help from the government. We are entitled to £94 a week that's it🤷♂️.
Am also in the position that I have a auto-immune disease which puts me in the high risk category.
Fuck knows I will have to go and do the jobs I can to pay for the house, car and wedding 😔
Calum Clark Jesus buddy that’s rough, I’m in Ireland & it’s so weird at the moment all shops n Restaraunts are closed the last week, I’m still flat out with work we’re finishing a job to give extra beds to the hospitals but like that when are they going to say close it all down. The walks, parks etc are packed as people are bored
& oh yeah we are going to get€210 a week from government
@@county582 yeah its shit, Its great the Irish Gov are doing for you as it's at least a half decent wage in the scheme of things
we are screwed here I am in shetland island we have the highest rate of infection in the uk. And only have 30 beds and 2 ventilators and have at least 200+ cases the worst of which was flown to Aberdeen today
Too top it off am now having to look to my mum, dad who have covid-19 and my grandfather who is back home after radiotherapy and no immune system.
Its nuts I haven't got the option now to stay home as they need taking care of and as of next week will need to get back to work to get money in knowing if I get it more than likely it's best case scenario hospital worst case a very long sleep. The misses works to the nhs and is stressing so it's all adding up
Bizarre thing is you would think trades would be helped as much as possible by the government as if anything breaks we have to fix it.
But you have Leo and co, we have BoJo the clown
@@county582 oh and good luck and stay safe yourself!
Same thing here in ireland buddy . Jobs cancelled since 10th onwards . Its nuts . Something much bigger going on here . Have been on the road since 2005 never seen things this bad . And its given everyone the chance not to pay outstanding bills
Most of us self employed are going to suffer big time , I've had 9 cancellations since Monday and no new work coming in , the problem I foresee is potential customers trying it on when you price a job and they want a big discount because they will know that a lot of people will be desperate to get work and they will take advantage of that.......😡
yensabi just play the sympathy card
Thoughts and Prayers to All , we in a very difficult time ahead, it’s the uncertainty that will make it more difficult as we are unable to plan for any of this . 🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽 God Bless to ALL.
Got 4 guys also bud got a 35 new build site on the go no signs of shutting down yet until forced. As a business owner I’m concerned but I’m hopeful it will blow over quickly.
Good luck for all of us !!!
I work as a maintenance electrician, earlier this week we were told that we were going on a 4 day week. Today I went in to be handed my redundancy and the rest of the work force on 3 days. My worry is I won't find employment until this blows over.
I feel for tradesman in the current climate. Alternative employment might be the answer. Asda/tesco recruiting just have bite the bullet.
Texaco!!! I haven’t seen one of those since I was a kid. Most of the Texas Co. gas stations were bought out in Oklahoma and North Texas. Not sure about southern Texas it’s a 10hr drive from Tulsa to Houston and only 4hr to Dallas!!!
I hope you're doing okay Chris. Hang in there!
I work for social housing company, they have still got us going into houses doing eicrs. We arent 100% comfortable with it. They have said from next week all non critical work will be push back indefinitely. So where does that leave our testing team? So much uncertainty.
We're in the same boat steve. Testing spark myself and concentrate on EICR's. So much uncertainty. Will they put you on voids?
We're being told we are going to do voids.
@@MysticShiv3r we only have so many voids, the turnaround time for our voids is about 20 days and theres a dedicated team doing shitty eicrs in them. I cant see them needing us tbh.
Uncertainty is the problem- after hearing Boris this evening I think there is a plan in place to help small businesses - £10k grants available but not sure the details
Means tested no doubt.
The devil will be in the detail for sure but if it’s a loan to all intents, what’s the point!?!?
Hill Billy I’ve got a business premises which is business rates exempt so reading the government website the local authorities will give grants of £10k to help pay rents etc - more announcements tomorrow from the chancellor on a package for workers -
Gareth Hodson good luck buddy. I can’t see the gov doing anything else but help. Let’s see.
Sickens me, all year long the government is only too happy to take your vat, your stamp, your next years earnings in advance, your end of year tax, etc and what do you get in return, f**k all when you need it, means tested, so I have to use up my savings, thanks for nothing.
Great video.It is scary what is going on probably because we don't know how this will pan out.Im hoping we can recover from this very soon.My thoughts are with all trades at this time.
Things will work out slowly(i know it doesn't help) but chin up pal
Last I heard there was supposed to be an announcement from the government over what help they're giving to self employed, hopefully they won't leave it too long so we're not left in limbo
Feel your pain I've had jobs cancelled soon after PM announcement from monday night phone was off the hook. Been twindling my thumbs trying to chase jobs but like you said everyone being super vigilant or saving on the cash. Hopefully we can come out of this sooner than later, Stay safe everyone!!! God speed !!!!
I think Rossman has this figure it out with the alcohol and air filtration and cleaning. At least that's what I'm hoping.
You don't have to pay grants back!
Hope this new announcement eases most fears 80% of wages is a huge shot
I’ve been moved to Essential personnel due to my line of work. Not looking good.
It’s time to work on your own places.
From Ireland, follow you closely, I think GB should have shut down sooner. Pretty much up shit creek without a paddle after this. Hopefully we all get thru it, it's gonna be devastating for all.
I had to do an EICR in an old lady's house. So i went there and did my job. I'll bill her and she says that she's not paying me. I asked her why and she said because of the coronavirus. I was trying to convince her to pay but she didn't. What can I do?
@R-77 or because i'm in Hungary: switch off her brand new 63 amp mcb i've put in and lock the meter box
Gergő Jakab sounds to me like she’s taking advantage of the situation, why did she not tell you before you done the work?
Send her a ‘letter before Small Claim Court’. She’ll soon pay
@@whatdashiznit3249 probably i'll do that. I think E.ON did something similar. Because I mentioned her not wanting to pay.
Cough
Do Elephants need earthing?
Well done for talking about it, things have gone to crap here, talk of cutting hours etc. In 4 days thing can change in a instant.
Sold my vending business in January because I’ve had health problems for the last 2 years and I shutter in fear now at the though of filling apartment machines, the disgusting dollars and coins and phlegm flecked glass.
I've just moved house, 150miles as the crow flies. Sole trader like yourself. Had a friend of a friend up here who was struggling for time to get through all the work, keen to get me involved, and the dad of another friend who wants most of his house rewiring. Sounded like a great start to me! That's all dead now of course.
Thought my first full day up here I'd go out to buy a bed, instead I'm resigned to sleeping on a 30 year old single mattress on the floor to save money because I daren't buy anything non-essential until I've got paid work coming in.
Chased out a bunch of walls ready to rewire my new house, but cable and accessories cost money I daren't part with right now.
Hi chris,can’t be exactly accurate without tests but I’m at home now for 14 days with my family,persistently coughing and respiratory issues,I already have lung issues with asthma,I’m in the same boat no income already phoned the gov up and told Because like you I’m a sole trader I’m only in titled to universal credit which is absolutely poor,worst still my wife has been made redundant,and just last night my van was broken into and all my tools have gone now I’m falling into financial troubles
It's all about cashflow. The work is always there but there is only so much time you have to do it...
Time is literally money.
Bloody nightmare, I've been off for months with a back injury was hoping to be back soon then this shit comes along 😡
All businesses and the self employed should hopefully no more by tomorrow when the chancellor makes his speech. Please remember that customers are holding back not just for health reasons but because they are also facing financial uncertainty. Keep your chins up, the more we adhere to the government advice the sooner things will get back to normal.
paul lyons Hi Paul - Mark From Brecon, how is Nick and all? PM me if so are you ok for supplies got plenty of loo roll and rice here. If you need it...?
something that would fix this problem for many people, me included would be having testing kits widely available, an abundance of them ffs
then you get a whole part of the population that's had the virus and they're clear. That's loads of people who can go to peoples houses, can visit the elderly, can help other people without the worry of passing it on and doing harm.
test kits. . . ffs!
tall, dork and hungsome except they aren’t available by the million and have to be manufactured. Let’s be sensible, it takes time, nobody has a magic wand.
this is what happens when people live day by day. no planning for anything in this country
Hi Chris I fully understand what your saying I run a business doing property maintenance in London and as you would think London is a place you not lose work trust me it is I like you have had people cancel on me and just today I had one more person push back a job it’s hard out there and when you do have bills to pay and the rest of it you do find it hard there is one estate agent that I do you work for but at the moment they have stopped all works happening in any properties that they manage due to the coronavirus I have and many others have lost work I am unsure what direction to look in with this crisis going on
Anyhow great video great content I look forward to the next one thank you you’re a great electrician and if you was in London I will definitely get you to do some work
Are you a Ltd company Chris or a sole trader ?
It feels like a bad dream dude. However, there will be strain on many sectors that people will be able to re-deploy skills to. Maybe not in their trade but I am already seeing many adverts for temp employment. Perhaps the trade/day job will have to take a back seat for a few months until this has all blown over. Your valued clients will think no less of your skills when things are back to some sense of normality and we can all just crack on.
I work up London. I’m a apprentice in my final year just brought a place, my partner isn’t working because of other reasons, but I’ve been off work since Tuesday because someone came in to site saying “who yeah I’m going home was with someone who might have it” I’m scared to work I’m scared I will lose my home and I’m scared I will lose my job/apprenticeship I’ve not done domestic work and I feel that I need to start something up to get some money in but there is nothing. Sorry for the long comment I watch these channels because I learn domestic work and it enjoyable but this is scary. If anyone has advice that would be great
Stay safe
Things government are offering so far: loans (via banks, govt backs the loan), grants (£10K or £25K depends on size of business), VAT deferral, CT deferral, PAYE employees can be suspended and govt will cover 80% of the wages for the employer up to £2.5K/month.
And for the self employed, freelancers and zero hours.. basically so far f-all apart from ~£95/week on UC and that's means tested.
It's hysteria. No one should cancel appointments they have made with you. Customers who do that should be pushed to the back of the queue (or however you punish bad customers).
True but it is happening.
Punish the 80 year old for worrying about her health, or the 50 year old who works in a care home - people have many reasons to be concerned and thank god they are. The government needs to step in, don’t attack your customers for trying to do the right thing.
@@edcooper2396 Selfish people; haven't they heard of "keep calm and carry on"?
In these difficult times there’s nothing worse than some clients getting funny or playing silly games when it comes to payment. We all learn valuable lessons in life through experience and as such, no matter how tempting it may be, never take away anything that isn’t yours, never damage or deface anything deliberately because that’s criminal and you could be prosecuted.
Instead, be subtle if you can, and if it’s at all possible to disable supply or a few of the circuits, discreetly without leaving anything that might cause harm, that usually persuades them to settle up quite quickly.
I’ve had that in recent weeks and it’s very unusual for me to have to take such drastic action, but be careful.
We as sparks will always have our emergency call outs or other times where a need for a spark is essential. We won’t be out of pocket for long. Hold on in there this won’t last forever. Be parsimonious with money and do without certain luxuries if you can. Best of luck to you all. Be safe.
It is very worrying times had three jobs cancelled and the phone is very quiet, think this is just the beginning
Stay well and safe
they shut my site down today ..
Great video, saying exactly what we all feel at present. Strange times but I am sure we can all come through it. People are scared at present but need to understand with correct hygiene and decreased exposure people can manage safely.
I have jobs booked over the next month and half which I can reschedule, I have spoken to customers and we are being flexible regards symptoms, illness etc.. night before each job I call, text email etc.... ask them if they have symptoms etc and i tell them I am so far clear. no other way at the moment. I do think though that the suppliers are going to take a big whack as they give materials on credit but if the trade aint getting paid the supplier is bottom of the list after children, rent, bills etc...
Where’s Andy?
I have been fairly busy. There has been a massive Serge of work for me from estate agents. I guess trying to get everything done how knows. Unfortunately I haven't completed my first year of trading I couldn't afford not to be working
We have only got this week booked in and we do loft conversions are last jobs Saturday don't have anyone wanting to book in
I don't know what your profit margin is - but you could maybe offer a discount for any work that starts in say the next two weeks and that might tempt some people to commit. Be up front about mitigation measures you will take, such as distancing or wearing gloves.
In some situations it may be possible to isolate the working area from the living area (for example work in a garage) for a period greater than the virus can survive on surfaces and work without any direct interaction with the client - may be enough to persuade someone to proceed.
Review any cancelled jobs with the client to see whether a bit of discussion about practical measures is enough to change someone's mind. It will help if you can point to other jobs where this approach has been accepted - it's surprising how strong herd instinct is. You may need an opener to get the discussion going that indicates something has changed, like "we have developed a new approach to working that may be helpful to some customers who are concerned about isolation". Anything that gives them confidence in your professionalism is going to be helpful here - how much do they believe you are going to take care.
Thanks for all the videos & good luck.
3 month Mortgage break
Loan company just gave me 3 months off also... calling finance company regarding van tomorrow also...
Hi Chris, had every job this week cancelled/postponed and same over next few weeks and i am the same i have two other lads and things have been tight for the last two years and am the same...I NEED THE TOILET PAPER...lol. But serious if this lasts for any more than 6 weeks i will be finished, but it is what it is and we have too tuff it out i guess...i have had no support from the banks, some help from the credit cards...today just but only short term. Lets see what they do for us small businesses eh...Pisses me off when the big companies get handouts but we can borrow at a reasonable term...but lets see what pans out eh...Chin up everyone...Least Asda need temp delivery drivers...lol 😜🤞
Give it a couple of weeks and when they realise if they wait for covid19 to not exist they will be waiting along time,,so they just get the work done anyway
My work in web dev and unfortunately my company has closed down completely 20 full time staff lost their jobs before the government had even made a statement -_-
Thomas Gregory sorry to heart that, there are quite a few businesses out there are crying for help to make remote working smoother - get onto that I’d suggest, just helping businesses understand some of the tools out there is in high demand, tools you’re probably familiar with
Well said sir.top chap
Bet ur bottom dollar alot of emergencies will come up and you will get work
Hard times ahead. But all we can do is soldier on! Stay strong people. Lower prices chase every opportunity and do a great job.
Whilst we all need an income, you should be cancelling them, not waiting to be cancelled.
Come off it. If you are a tradie that's any good , you havent been on minimum wages these last years.
I've been self employed for 11 years , I save at least half of my income every year and stick it in the bank.
This doesnt mean I spaff it up on some speculative property via a mortgage deposit, neither have I bought shares or bitcoins... and neither do I choose to live in london spaffing up a fortune on some arshols btl pension. I save and save and save .
For my entire adult life I've always made a point of maintaining a bank balance providing at least one years income for when times are hard.
Times are now going to be hard - but harder still is getting used to all these bleating hard done by tradies who talk about not being able to pay the mortgage.
Who told you or forced you to take on that massive debt ? I look at houses in the uk , and I think - fk that ! That's way over priced.
Others think , yeah but it will only go up in value, so let's pis up my life savings on a deposit and forget the rainy day fund ....
Well it's only spitting now , but soon enough it will be fking pouring and I ain't got the slightest sympathy.
I've done the riigt thing by eschewing all and any debt and just save my money instead- I ain't got no worries...in fact I only hope the mother of all recessions finds it's way upon us - weve seen share prices drop 30 per cent plus ,,, house prices will surely follow on.
Happy days indeed!!!!!!!
I never said anything about my savings so please don’t assume anything. I know lots of self employed tradesman that subcontract for bigger firms that live week by week so don’t give me that bullshit about saving half your yearly wage. Not all are in the same boat. Stay well and god bless.