If £55k is giving you a fit, certain construction projects are paying £40-50/Hr for a guarenteed 40/hr week - depending on commissioning dates can run upto 60-70 hr weeks.
As stated before its just a shortage of skilled labour, not just due to the apprenticships scheme being abandoned but also several companies laid off very qualified staff a few years ago, many of which left the industry altogether - either retiring or going into another profession - you cant get staff for love nor money in some cases.
Good luck to them is what I say, make hay whilst the sun shines as in a couple of years time it could go full circle.