The builders' holiday next week won't come a day too soon for some house builders who are facing a rash of "wildcat" strikes on their sites, mainly by bricklayers. The threat is part of the continuing demands by the brickies to be hired directly by developers rather than by subbies (sub-contractors). Many brickies working for developers are apparently earning up to £1,000 per week because of the shortage of skilled workers and tight deadlines. Don't be surprised if the house-builders blame further increases in house prices on the costs of keeping the brickies on site.