Research by online construction community, On The Tools, has revealed that 78% of tradeswomen have faced discrimination in their role, most frequently encountering negative comments and harassment, while 78% of women consumers wouldn’t consider a career in the sector.
The research, launched to mark International Women’s Day, surveyed 474 tradeswomen across the UK to uncover what it’s like to work in construction in 2022.
The research emphasises the seriousness of the construction skills gap and the role that such discrimination may play in it. As part of the report, On The Tools also partnered with YouGov to survey 2,000 adults. From this YouGov survey, 78% of women consumers, and 66% of men said they would not consider a career in construction.
The report highlights that discrimination can also be manifested in the physical facilities available for women on-site, with only 22.15% of tradeswomen stating that they always have access to a women’s toilet. When asked about their pay in comparison to their male counterparts, only 29.75% of tradeswomen surveyed felt they were paid the same as men, and figures provided by report sponsor Rated People stated that women get paid just 72% of what men do on average for trade roles.
"We don’t want ‘special treatment’, we just want the differences in our lives to be accommodated. We need equity, rather than equality.” said Hattie Hasan, MBE, founder of the Register of Tradeswomen, and industry supporter of the research.
The white paper found that the majority of tradeswomen were in favour of improving education and raising awareness to tackle the issue of discrimnation rather than enforcing harsher measures on perpetrators.
The white paper also uncovers many promising drivers for women to enter the construction industry, with 77.37% of self-employed tradeswomen feeling job satisfaction - 25% of whom self-rated as ‘extremely satisfied’ with their career.
Several real-life experiences from tradeswomen are featured in the report, highlighting the breadth of opportunities for women, including the real earning potential within the trade.
Commenting on the white paper, Clare Harding, Brand Director of On the Tools, said: “The level of discrimination the report reveals is outragous, but despite all hurdles, it can be a great industry to join. Listening to tradeswomen and giving them a voice is vital if we want things to change.”
“By taking steps to understand the reality of discrimination in the industry, whilst also placing a spotlight on women who thrive, and the opportunities available, we can begin to take steps to plug the skills gap in construction and attract more women to work on the tools.”
The report is supported by: Bosch, Band of Builders, Dulux, Fischer, Rated People, Register of Tradeswomen, Speedy, Toolstation and Youthbuild.
Digital version of the report available for download here: https://bit.ly/3pIpGUu
