It may be true that plumbers are more likely to arrive late than a bedroom fitter, but it's important to keep in mind the nature of their work. A bedroom fitter is unlikely to be called out to an emergency repair that changes his/her daily schedule. Plumbers and heating engineers often fit in emergency jobs for customers and this can mean that people waiting for quote appointments or other non-urgent work might have to wait a bit longer than expected.

There is no excuse for a customer having to wait in all day for a tradesmen who doesn't bother to call or show up. Although, please remember that tradesmen are professionals who are skilled at what they do, and sometimes they may be late. How much time does the average UK resident spend waiting in a doctor's or dentist's office over the course of a year?

I provide administrative support to tradesmen in the UK through my business OfficeHounds, and I am disappointed with how little respect some customers give to tradesmen. Clearly there are some cowboys out there, but most are doing a great job. Give tradesmen a break if they're a little late.