SPOTLIGHT
‘SPOTLIGHT ON…WOMEN
IN CONSTRUCTION’
CAMPAIGN LAUNCHED
Considerate Constructors Scheme’s
industry survey reveals more
needs to be done to change
perceptions and encourage more
women into construction.
W
hilst 79% of respondents said the construction
industry has improved its approach in
encouraging women into construction, 52% have
witnessed or experienced sexism within the industry.
The survey also reveals the main reasons women do not
choose to work in construction cited as being:
• working conditions – 22%
• lack of female role models – 22%
• negative image of the industry – 20%
The UK and Ireland campaign ‘Spotlight on…women
in construction’ has been launched by the Considerate
Constructors Scheme to boost the much-needed industry
effort to attract more women into the construction industry.
The Scheme, which makes around 15,000 monitoring
visits to construction sites, companies and suppliers every
year, surveyed over 1000 people to find out why women
still only represent a meagre 11% of the construction
industry workforce. The Campaign provides a variety of
practical steps that can be taken to address this issue in the
short, medium and long term.
The survey findings also revealed that:
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•
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94% of respondents agreed that the industry would
benefit from employing more women.
76% said there are no construction jobs which only
men can do.
74% said there should not be quotas for hiring
women into construction.
It is clear from the survey, that although some results
appear encouraging, there is still a huge amount to be
done, particularly in addressing sexism and changing
misguided perceptions of what a career in construction
offers to women.
‘Spotlight on…women in construction’ pulls together the
latest and greatest examples of best practice, case studies
from women working across the construction industry,
legal requirements and links to useful organisations
encouraging women to work in construction.
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HSE INTERNATIONAL
The Campaign extends the Scheme’s influence in
this important area; by complementing the Scheme’s
monitoring Checklist which asks several questions about
equality and diversity to raise standards across the
thousands of Scheme-registered sites, companies and
suppliers; and the role of the industry mascot, Honor
Goodsite in visiting hundreds of schools across the UK and
Ireland every year.
The importance of having role models is absolutely
critical. As such, ‘Spotlight on…women in construction’
has interviewed a number of women within the industry
to examine what opportunities and challenges they have
faced and why construction offers a great career for
women of all ages, backgrounds and skills.
Managing Director for Crossrail 2, Michèle Dix said:
“Women are still underrepresented at present but I think
we are starting to move in the right direction. We need to
recognise the need for more flexible working arrangements,
especially if we are to encourage women back after taking
time off for children.
“I think there are lots of opportunities out there and one
message I would give to my fellow women colleagues is “go
for them!”. Be confident in your own abilities. The industry
has so much to offer.”
Site Manager for Higgins Construction, Victoria Betts
said:
“In the time I have been working in the industry there
has definitely been an increase in the amount of females
working in it.
“The Considerate Constructors Scheme has been a big
driving force in this as it insists on facilities for females that
previously would not have been in place.”
Considerate Constructors Scheme Chief Executive,
Edward Hardy said:
“Thank you to everyone who has contributed to ‘Spotlight
on…women in construction’. The Campaign provides