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Scaffolders have been voted as the UK’s toughest trade by their fellow tradies in the battle of the blue-collar workers.

The resilient riggers came out on top in the study of tradespeople from across the UK – but the public has thrown a spanner in the works by handing the title to roofers.

Tradespeople named roofers as second and stonemasons in third place, followed by bricklayers and electricians.

However, their customers crowned roofers as the toughest tradies, with stonemasons scooping silver and scaffolders in bronze position.

Electricians and bricklayers ranked highly compared to plumbers, carpet fitters and tilers in both studies by TROJAN workwear.

It comes as the leading trade clothing brand launches a hunt to crown the UK’s toughest tradie with a series of high-pressure events across two days next month (October).

The battle of the blue-collar workers will mark the launch of TROJAN’s new workwear designed for both on and off the worksite, and to tackle the dreaded builder’s bum through raised waistbands and integrated shirt grips.

The survey also revealed that, in the public’s view, bricklaying is the most physically demanding trade, while more than half of tradespeople believe qualifying as an electrician is the hardest.

Meanwhile, more than half of tradespeople work more than 40 hours a week, and a whopping 67% have still grafted while injured.

James Posnett, Product Manager for TROJAN, said: “We all know the UK’s tradespeople are a tough breed – grafting in all weather conditions to deal with our domestic emergencies.

“Now the battle of the blue-collars is officially on.

“It doesn’t matter what you do for a living – we’ve got you covered, literally. Our new workwear range not only tackles the dreaded ‘builder’s bum’, but also keeps safety front and centre.

“All you’ll crack is a smile.

“Come and have a go if you think you’re tough enough – whether you’re a scaffolder coming to claim your crown or a plumber keen to defend your honour, email arco@democracypr.com to register your interest.”

The new TROJAN workwear range will be available to purchase from October 1at https://www.arco.co.uk/trojanworkwear

Toughest trade, according to UK tradespeople

1. Scaffolder (15%)
2. Roofer (11%)
3. Stonemason (11%)
4. Bricklayer (10%)
5. Electrician (10%)
6. Plasterer (9%)
7. Mechanic (7%)
8. Landscaper (6%)
9. Carpenter/Joiner (6%)
10. Plumber (4%)
11. Painter and Decorator (3%)
12. Window Fitter (1%)
13. Tiler (1%)
14. Carpet Fitter (1%)
15. Kitchen Fitter (1%)

Toughest trade, according to the UK public

1. Roofer (19%)
2. Stonemason (12%)
3. Scaffolder (11%)
4. Bricklayer (11%)
5. Electrician (8%)
6. Mechanic (7%)
7. Landscaper (6%)
8. Plasterer  (4%)
9. Plumber (3%)
10. Carpenter/joiner (3%)
11. Window fitter (2%)
12. Kitchen fitter (1%)
13. Painter and decorator (1%)
14. Tiler (1%)
15. Carpet fitter (1%)