Young people are unable to do the simplest of DIY skills, such as wiring a plug and using a power drill, a new survey has found.
Discount shopping site www.netvouchercodes.co.uk asked 1,000 people aged between 18 and 25 if they could confidently and without help or instruction tackle a range of DIY tasks.

It found that just 8% could rewire a plug while only 6% were happy about bleeding a radiator. Hanging wallpaper was something only 4% could do, and a mere 12% could use a power drill. Unblocking a sink was a job that just 5% thought they could handle.

Hanging a picture was a lot easier for the respondents, with 83% happy to have a go, while 79% could assemble flat pack furniture.

A spokesperson from NetVoucherCodes.co.uk commented: "In the past, electrical goods came without a plug attached so it was necessary to know how to wire one. Now, though, our toasters and TVs come with the plugs already fitted so it seems wiring one is becoming something of a lost skill.

"Let's hope future generations don't lose the skills their fathers and grandfathers took for granted."

One young man who took part in the survey said: "I still have to ring up my dad for DIY help. I can just about manage to put a bookshelf together, but for anything more complicated I need his help.

"It's not the end of the world that I'm unable to do certain DIY tasks. I mean, if it weren't for people like me there'd be no work for plumbers and electricians."

A woman who took part commented: "It's very unattractive in a man not to be able to do simple jobs round the house. Although I have to admit if there is a DIY task I can't do my first response is to reach for the internet."