Construction Trades (Concrete/Cement) resources? Also general job search advice?

Hi all, just a few questions re: skilled trades. My husband (UKC) is a journeyman cement finisher/mason with 11 years experience (in US) but we are finding very little in jobs posted on the various general job search sites. On the few we have found, the pay is less than half of what he makes currently and I know that happens but I can't imagine the drop being right for the type of work involved and his experience level.

Also, having read some of the pinned boards, I saw one mention that contacting businesses on your own is frowned upon. I keep thinking that might be the best way though as there are several companies that do the exact work my husband does. I'm curious if that might be ok in this sort of situation and how it might be best to word an enquiry so it doesn't come across as "please give me a job" haha.

And finally, if anyone here is in or knows someone in the trade, I would love to pick your brain on job outlook and any advice you may have on where to search. Thanks!

A UK salary being about half of a US salary is quite common (unfortunately).

There's never any harm in contacting companies directly.

Would his professional lean more towards self-employed/contractor type roles?

Best of luck.  Securing that first job in the U.K. is tough.

Hi Dani,

As per above - from an overall perspective, the UK doesn't pay as well by quite a margin compared to the US for the exact same job/career role in pretty much every industry sector out there. Out of the total UK's workforce of 'around' 30 million or so people, only about 9-12% of them are high rate taxpayers. It's just the way it is..

Please do get in touch here

http://www.humres.co.uk/

My sis in law's brother owns the consultancy and they specialize in the Construction Sector.

Cheers, DtM! West London & Slough UK!

Hi, thanks so much for the replies and info.! It's really reassuring to hear that the drop in pay is common, it does seem the the cost of living will lower for us as well and we're hopeful it will even out. My husband is a union member so not self-employed and hasn't had to seek employment in a long time. The consultant info. is super helpful and looks great! I will definitely have my husband contact them right away!