As Unite leads construction trade unions in lobbying the Construction Industry Joint Council for a 10% increase in wages for the industry, the sector is looking to rebuild.

Having lost a number of European workers post-Brexit, followed by two years of pandemic-hit supply chain and staffing issues, Britain’s construction companies are in need of fresh ideas.

While increasing wages can help to attract new talent and offer existing employees a better deal in the face of rising living costs, the industry will also need to examine other possibilities.

From considering even more stringent safety protections to exploring the impact of flexible working, UK construction is looking for ways to build back better.

Revisiting safety protections

Despite existing protocols, the latest HSE figures show a slight increase in fatalities among construction workers; up to 39 compared with 36 in previous years.

The same report highlights a further 74,000 new or long-standing work-related ill health cases, many of whom are likely to be seeking advice from a construction injury law firm to ensure that they are being correctly treated and compensated for.

While these figures may be disappointing to industry leaders, increasing focus on training and safety protocols must be a clear priority in order to attract new talent and ensure that existing workers feel safe and able to work confidently.

The rise of flexible working

A recent poll carried out by YouGov found that over half of British employers expect greater demand for flexible working from their workforce in 2022 and beyond. Traditionally, the construction industry has seemed an unlikely option for adopting flexible work practices due to the on-site nature of the work.

However, trials supported by industry giants including Wilmott Dixon and Skanksa suggest that flexible policies can work well in this sector and may yet help to attract new talent, particularly from women and younger workers, who are looking for better work/life balance.

Sustainable futures

With 75% of British adults reportedly concerned about climate change, for some, making a move into construction could be encouraged by recent changes from companies adopting more sustainable practices.

The UK construction industry has already pledged to halve emissions in the built environment by 2025, and as the UK’s Green Building Council has recognized, the mission is to not only create eco-friendly buildings but also to minimize the impact on the environment whilst doing so.

For Britain’s next generation of construction employees, tackling this challenge could be a strong motivator.

While union leaders and workers will need to wait a while longer to hear if the 10% pay increase is viable, the UK construction industry will also need to look at a broader package to appeal to the new workers it wants to attract, as well as retaining existing employees.

Tightening existing safety protections, exploring flexible working options, and promoting green credentials could all help with appealing to new talent.  After a turbulent few years, industry leaders will be keen to capitalize on demand and build a strong, secure future.