The last few years of gloomy economic news have struck fear into the hearts of housebuilders throughout the UK. And as the world economic outlook darkens, the market still doesn't feel like a safe - or lucrative - place to be. As the 2011 Housebuilder Salary Survey shows, apart from a lucky few this year who may even find a bonus at the bottom of their pay packet, the fate awaiting most housebuilders is more likely to be trick than treat. 'Just three months ago, things were starting to hot up for housebuilding. Developers talked about kickstarting programmes, cash flow was looking steadier and build programmes were looking more robust. But a recent round of unwelcome news has sent a fresh chill through the industry. Global financial progress has gone into reverse, as the European and worldwide financial markets falter once again, threatening a bleak 2012. "The increase in unemployment figures to 2.57 million, particularly the 21.3% of 16-24 year olds is understandably a reason for lost confidence," says Maria Pilfold, group HR director at housebuilder Taylor Wimpey.
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