A 'man' who does
Brits are fighting shy of DIY and becoming a nation of sub-contractors.
It is estimated that 41 per cent of people spend £700 per year paying someone to do work around their home - rather than doing it themselves.
Six out of ten people employ a window cleaner, and almost a third of people have their shopping delivered. One in eight people use a gardener or a cleaner.
Ruth Wilkins, head of communications at Legal & General's general insurance business, commented: "Following a range of everyday price hikes such as petrol, heating, food and council tax, the cost of living is more expensive for UK households.
"Although household budgets may be stretched it seems that Brits are moving away from DIY and are now keen on 'YDI' [You Do It] by getting in help for the more traditional jobs around the home. It's a good idea to do a few checks on anyone that we let into our homes, particularly those who we are going to trust with a set of house keys. Always check identification of callers at the door, genuine tradesmen will be happy to wait while you check with their company."
April 10th 2008