A London woman who was faced with the unsightly view of a workman’s builder’s bum while he was renovating her home has launched a campaign for tradespeople to clean up their image.
Jenny Humphries, 59, from London, caused a stir in the building industry this week when she took to Facebook to rant about her builder’s tros.
She snapped evidence of the offending workman from Battersea Builders and ed it to Facebook where DIY chain B&Q took up the mantle to launch a crackdown on low-slung trews.
She posted: “I have been plagued by builder’s bums during my home renovation … it would be great to get tips to put a stop to this as it’s been a dis-ass-ter!”
B&Q commissioned research showing that ‘builders’ bums’ are damaging industry’s bottom line to the tune of £3.5 billion.
The chain then teamed up with Jenny’s building company and kitted them out with Rigour’s ‘anti-builder’s bum’ tros which are designed to prevent unsightly ‘rear reveals’.
Will Gardener of Battersea Builders said: “We pride ourselves on exemplary work and customer service, so we took Jenny’s experience very seriously.
“We are leading by example with this new policy that bans ‘builders’ bums’ and will pull up our socks – or should that be tros? – and improve the image of tradespeople.”
B&Q also provided Jenny with new signage to enforce the policy in her home.
CRACKDOWN: Jenny proudly shows off her new sign
Jenny Humphries said: “I was delighted with Battersea Builders’ work on my renovation but the level of bottom on show left me feeling like I’d got a bit of a bum deal.
“I’m glad that they took my comments on board as their new uniform looks great!”
The research investigated the extent of the issue, revealing that Jenny is not alone in her ‘ordeal’.
Results show that UK homeowners and renters hire tradespeople twice over a five year period, forking out an average of £1,081 per job.
BARE-FACED CHEEK: Builder’s bum is potentially costing businesses trade
Despite this hefty spend, 39% of us have been confronted with too much cheek from builders in their own home.
Around 30% itted they wouldn’t rehire a bum-flashing tradesperson which, in an industry worth £58.3 billion, totals up to an eye-watering £3.5 billion per year in lost business.
A B&Q spokesman said: “While amusing, Jenny’s experience has raised an interesting issue for the industry.
“Our Rigour tros with a shirt grip in the waistband offer an ideal solution and we applaud Battersea Builders for being good humoured enough to introduce the new policy, rather than being the butt of the joke.”
