If you’re looking to hire a welfare unit – whether for a few weeks, several months, or as a semi-permanent fixture – this guide covers everything you need to know.
From hire costs and servicing to unit sizes and off-grid capability, we’ve pulled together real insights from hundreds of live customer enquiries to help you make the right decision for your site.
What Is a Welfare Unit – and Who Uses Them?
Welfare units provide the essentials for workers on-site, combining:
- Canteen/rest space
- Toilet facilities
- Drying area
- Optional office space
They’re required on many jobs under CDM regulations and widely used for:
- Construction and groundworks
- Security and maintenance teams
- Film production and location shoots
- Utilities and infrastructure projects
- Forestry, education, and school refurbishments
- Off-grid, remote or hard-to-access sites
What Are the Main Types of Welfare Units?
Depending on your site needs, access, and team size, typical welfare units fall into three categories:
Towable Welfare Units
Delivered by 4×4 or small commercial vehicles, towables are ideal for sites with limited access or without HIAB capability.
Sizes: 12ft – 24ft
Capacity: 6 to 12 people
Static Welfare Units
Delivered on flatbed and craned into place, these are often used for larger, longer-term jobs.
Sizes: 20ft – 32ft
Capacity: 8 to 15+ people
EcoWelfare Units
Our flagship solar-powered fleet, these are fully self-contained, using renewable energy and rainwater-harvesting technology-no chemicals or diesel generators needed in standard operation.
Available in 12ft, 16ft, and 24ft formats with options for office space, drying rooms, and storage.
What Does It Cost to Hire a Welfare Unit?
Pricing varies depending on unit size, location, hire duration, and servicing needs. Based on current customer bookings, here’s what you can expect:
| Unit Type | Weekly Hire Rate | Suitable For |
|---|---|---|
| 12ft eco welfare unit | £275 – £325 | 6–7 operatives |
| 16ft eco welfare unit | £330 – £345 | 8–10 operatives |
| 24ft eco welfare unit | £490 – £510 | 10–15 operatives |
| Welfare Van | £395 – £450 | Mobile security / short stays |
Servicing costs:
Most hire rates include weekly servicing, but we can also arrange fortnightly or multiple visits per week depending on site needs. Typical servicing charges range from £80-120 per visit.
How Long Can I Hire for?
We regularly receive enquiries for:
- Short term: 1 day to 2 weeks
- Project-based: 4 to 12 weeks
- Long term: 6+ months, often on rolling contracts
- Semi-permanent: Forest schools, hub refurbishments, or utility depots
Discounts are often available for longer durations.
Do You Need Mains Services?
No. Our solar-powered welfare units are:
- Off-grid capable
- Fully self-contained (fresh water and waste tanks included)
- Free from chemical toilets (UV-treated rainwater flush)
For customers with access to power, we also supply hybrid or 240v-ready options. Some clients specifically request no generator use-particularly in schools, residential zones, or conservation areas.
What Sizes Are Available?
We offer a clear, simple range:
- 12ft Eco Unit – Compact and fully featured, ideal for 6-7 operatives
- 16ft Eco Unit – For teams of 8-10, includes additional seating and workspace
- 24ft Eco Unit – For larger sites or combined office/canteen use (10-15 operatives)
Add-ons include:
- Towable solar powered offices
- Towable solar powered drying rooms
- Welfare vans (mobile)
- Additional water bowsers or backup solar power systems if required
Can You Deliver to Remote or Restricted Sites?
Yes. We support delivery to:
- Forest sites and woodlands
- Narrow lanes, tracks, and gated car parks
- No-HIAB zones (towable units)
- Remote rural and coastal locations
- Film sets and temporary security installations
We’ve delivered to schools, reservoirs, castle grounds, and listed buildings – some using What3Words to pinpoint access.
Servicing, HVO refuelling and Support
Depending on usage and access, we typically recommend:
- On demand toilet and waste tank emptying
- Water replenishment
- HVO BioFuel top-ups (if backup power is required)
Everything is handled by our in-house operations team and can be tailored to your schedule – next day, weekends, and we are on-call for urgent refills.
How Fast Can I Get One?
We receive daily enquiries for:
- Urgent next-day hires
- Weekend installs
- Projects starting “Monday morning”
With nationwide coverage and a fully tracked fleet, we can advise availability at postcode level when you enquire.
Why Contractors Are Switching to ecowelfare
Here’s what we hear from clients week after week:
“Cleaner, quieter, and no need to refuel. The team prefers it.”
“Perfect for tight access. Delivered and up and running within the hour.”
“Clients love the zero emissions approach – we’re not going back to the old diesel boxes.”
Our clients include civil contractors, housing developers, environmental consultants, film and production teams, education trusts, and more.
