The construction industry is still seen as sexist, says report

Construction firms are being urged to do more to attract female employees after a new report revealed the industry was still seen as sexist.

A survey of 1,500 employers found that three out of four believed perceptions of a sexist culture were a major reason why women were under-represented. The study, conducted by the Construction Industry Training Board, identified a lack of female role models as well as poor awareness of the types of jobs on offer.

Gillian Econopouly, head of research at the CITB, said: “The industry is on course for a major comeback, but we need a dynamic and diverse workforce to help deliver it. This poll shows that construction employers realise we are still a long way from overcoming the perceptions of sexism in our sector, which potentially keep women away.

“To attract the best skills and talent from all parts of society, we are challenging industry to make women and people from all backgrounds feel welcome and valued.”

CITB board member Maria Pilford said: “When I joined the construction industry 20 years ago I was told by one worker that I should not be allowed on site as I was a woman. We have moved a long way from that, but there is still much to do to fully address perceptions of sexism.”