Reports reveal that women are expected to make up a quarter (26%) of the UK’s construction workforce by 2020. Although companies are doing more to encourage women to join the industry, 41% of women still believe men are paid more. Encouraging and retaining more women in construction is essential to filling the looming skills shortage.
Ballymore is encouraging women to join the industry by providing fair career opportunities and a respectful work environment. Our team at London City Island includes 48 people in the Management Team, 8 of them women. On site there are an additional 10 female operatives. By working in pairs or more (not isolated) they feel more confident and can make a change in the structural factor.
The site provides separate facilities for female operatives – changing rooms, showers, rest rooms etc. We have an open door policy and an anti-bullying and harassment policy in place. The subject is included in our site inductions and toolbox talks.
We also have a specially designated ‘female advisor’ who is available to meet and help women if an issue occurs.
Changing culture is not easy and is unlikely to be a quick process. However significant progress has been made in the last decade in encouraging women into the industry, with the majority of women reporting that their employer actively encourages female recruitment.
We decided to check what our female operatives think about their personal experience in construction. To read these interviews and more information, please see the document below.
To find out more, click the link below.
Entry submitted by Ballymore.
Did you find this article helpful?
Please rate this article
Loading...
