Award-Winning Builder Emigrates to Switzerland, Citing Labour's Tax Policies as Final Straw
An acclaimed builder, recently honoured as Britain's finest tradesperson, has announced his departure from the United Kingdom for Switzerland, attributing the decision directly to tax increases implemented by the Labour government. Martin Daly, the 30-year-old proprietor of MD Builders based in Motherwell, detailed to the Daily Mail how hikes in employers' National Insurance contributions, coupled with inadequate apprenticeship funding and burdensome regulations, collectively pushed him to relocate.
The Tipping Point: Budget Measures and Business Climate
Mr Daly, who secured the Screwfix Top Tradesperson title for 2025 just four months prior, highlighted specific budgetary changes as critical catalysts. Chancellor Rachel Reeves, in her October 2024 Budget, elevated the employers' National Insurance rate to 15% on staff salaries exceeding £5,000 from April, up from the previous 13.8% levy on wages above £9,100. Concurrent increases to the National Living Wage and various business rates further strained his operations.
'They were definitely the tipping points,' Mr Daly stated. 'I want to grow my business and help younger generations, but I now just cannot afford to take them on. Britain is not heading in a direction too great for business.'
He expressed broader concerns about the national environment, noting desires for security and positive tax utilisation. 'I want to wake up in the morning and not see my van's been broken into and all the tools are missing. I want to know my taxes are going to do positive and not something negative. I want to go to walk at night without worrying about getting mugged and attacked. Britain has not become the place where I'd want my kids to grow up.'
Apprenticeship Crisis and Industry Exodus
Having initiated his career as a joiner after a football injury, Mr Daly built his firm over five years, employing numerous apprentices who often progressed to establish their own businesses or seek opportunities abroad. He now fears the government is driving more skilled workers to nations like Switzerland, the United Arab Emirates, and Australia, where superior financial incentives exist.
'The complaints about not enough houses being built, not enough people—it's because you're chasing them away,' he remarked, addressing the Prime Minister and Chancellor. 'The Government seem to be funding everything apart from actual youth, and that's going to come back to bite us—but in the years ahead, there's going to be no one here.'
He cited examples such as Western Australia's visa scheme for British construction workers, offering relocation costs up to £5,100, as evidence of more supportive international approaches. 'There needs to be more funding—Australia gives apprentices money to help them. Unless we focus more on youth, they're all going to leave.'
Broader Construction Industry Challenges
The departure aligns with significant industry pressures. UK construction worker numbers fell to 2 million in the third quarter of last year, the lowest in 25 years, with 35% aged over 50 and only 20% under 30. The Construction Industry Training Board warns that 61,000 new workers annually are required to meet the government's target of 1.5 million new homes by 2029.
Mr Daly's move follows a similar decision by Charlie Mullins, founder of Pimlico Plumbers, who relocated to Spain after Labour's July 2024 election victory. Despite his criticism, Mr Daly acknowledged, 'It's not just the Labour government, it's all governments we've had recently.'
Government Response and Future Plans
A Government spokesperson defended its record, stating, 'This government inherited a dire shortage of construction workers and we are determined to deliver more opportunities for young people as we work to boost construction skills. We’re investing £1.5 billion to get hundreds of thousands of young people earning or learning including in construction through Technical Excellence Colleges, Skills Bootcamps, and new foundation apprenticeships.'
The spokesperson added that National Insurance Contributions are not paid for employees under 21 or apprentices under 25. Meanwhile, the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government emphasised its commitment to building 1.5 million homes, citing a £39 billion investment in social and affordable housing and accelerated planning reforms.
However, analysis by the Centre for Policy Studies indicates a stark decline, with only 115,700 homes started in Labour's first year—39% of the 300,000 needed annually to hit the target. In London, starts plummeted 72% to 4,170 in 2024-25.
Mr Daly, who has visited Switzerland five times for leisure, has received job offers there and plans to relocate with his girlfriend early next year, pending visa arrangements. His firm will continue a school outreach programme for work experience, but he insists, 'The whole apprenticeship set-up has to change.'
