Helly Hansen Workwear has commissioned a study to find Britain’s most trustworthy tradesmen, with plumbers being ranked the friendliest workers.

Following the study of 2,000 Brits examining modern perceptions of today’s tradesmen, it was found that most people trust electricians, followed by window cleaners and plumbers. However, scaffolders, glaziers and tilers still have a lot to do – featuring at the bottom of the list of trusted tradesmen.

The research found that appearance really matters when it comes to trusting tradesmen, with 58% of people more likely to hire someone wearing a uniform. The study also highlighted that more than 40% think that wearing a uniform enhances the quality of job, with 56% thinking a professionally branded uniform enhances the quality of the job further.

Jacqueline Cheung, marketing and sales project manager for Helly Hansen Workwear, said:

“When it comes to hiring a tradesman, we are placing a lot of faith in allowing that person to work in our home, so we want to know that trust is well placed. The way someone dresses, holds themselves and the manners they have still has a powerful impact, and can go a long way to reassuring potential customers that they have the right skills and attitude for the job.”

As well as boasting the claim to being Britain’s most trusted tradesman, electricians were also voted to have the best manners, and to be the most punctual and presentable looking of all tradesmen, results showed. More than two thirds also say the appearance of a tradesman makes all the difference when it comes to reassuring them that they operate with the bounds of health and safety.

Plumbers were voted as the friendliest workers though and the most likely to have a joke, followed by window cleaners.

The study also found builders and plumbers as the professions most likely to overcharge a customer. Builders were also perceived by the public to be the tradesmen who work the shortest number of hours per day, followed by window cleaners.

Cost is still the driving factor when choosing a tradesman but a professional appearance was key for nearly half of those polled, while getting recommendations from other people plays a big part for picking the right person.

There is still a feeling of apprehension when it comes to hiring new workers – over three quarters of the study still get nervous when dealing with a tradesman they’ve never used before. Perhaps that’s because nearly four in ten have had a bad experience in the past that has put them off.

Over a third said they have been made wary because of things they have seen on TV, while 30% have experienced bad manners or impoliteness from a tradesman in the past.

Jacqueline added:

“The results show that overall the majority of Britain’s tradesman have a solid reputation, but we still associate certain trades with certain characteristics.

“When it comes to placing our trust in a tradesman, we need to see a professional appearance, polite etiquette and disciplined attitude in order to have faith we’ve picked the right person.”