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Mental health in the construction industry

2nd October 2019
Posted by Aston Avery

Mental health is a topic that is gaining momentum across the UK and further. We are bringing in – or just simply raising awareness of – internal support networks within our business offices, we’re speaking out more on social media and celebrities and influencers are championing movements in better mental care.

However, with all the progress being made within office-based careers, it appears there is still a way to go within the construction industry. New research from UK Construction Week – who are campaigning to have a dedicated member of staff across all UK construction sites who is ‘Here to Chat’, to be there to speak with workers whenever they require – reveals the very real need for support within the industry.

Among the 55% who have never spoken out at work, the most common reasons are: feeling uncomfortable discussing their problems at work (40%), wanting to deal with it alone (40%), feeling like there’s no one that they can speak to (36%) and not wanting to involve others in their problems (34%). What’s more, just 37% have taken time off at work due to their mental health, with only two thirds (64%) of those telling their employer the true reason why.

Aston spoke to James Rudoni, managing director at mates in mind and Nathan Garnett, events director at UK construction week to discuss what can be done to support the mental health of construction workers across the UK.