A survey carried out by Viewpoint client, IronmongeryDirect Limited, has hit the national press recently.

The survey revealed that a record number of trade workers, including builders, plumbers and plasterers are now women.

The rise in female workers – dubbed "white-van women" – to almost 6% of the industry is said to have resulted from a rise in women turning to DIY to improve their homes.

The surge is also put down to employers seeking tradespeople who are reliable and good with customer service – which many believe women are better at.

These figures have been accompanied by a drop in the number of foreign migrants working as builders and tradesmen, which has virtually halved in the past four years, according to a study of 10,000 in the industry.

More details of the IronmongeryDirect survey published in the Daily Mail can be found here