The number of women working in the construction industry has steadily increased year on year, with the actual statistic from June 2023, being that 15.8% in the sector are female. These roles range from management to surveying, civil engineering to bricklaying. It is still a male-dominated industry but with huge skills shortage, the 320,000 women who work in construction in the UK alone are easing this deficit.

It’s sad then to see that the organisation “Women in Construction” is actually closing. 

The organisation was set up some 16 years ago to promote gender equality and has some impressive statistics to show its impact on the sector:

• It doubled the number of female construction workers on the Olympic development in August 2008 in east London
• It was involved in The Shard, Crossrail, Tideway, HS2
• 4,700 women were supported
• 3,000 underwent successful construction training
• 10 staff were employed in the organisation

Kath Moore, the MD of Women in Construction points out that Covid, the cost of living crisis, decreased grant funding and a recession in construction have seen its closure.

“Companies that are very supportive of the work we do – and keen to take on our women – are coming to us and saying ‘We are trying to hold on to our own staff at the moment.’ There was a stagnation in building with the previous government not supporting infrastructure projects or housebuilding, and that has really affected the companies we have worked with.”

The news has been greeted with sadness and shock with Jon Howlin of The Skills Centre stating:

“Kath Moore MBE and her team have made a tremendous impact on our industry, supporting thousands of women and helping to break down barriers in construction. Its closure is a significant loss, but it also reminds us of the importance of the work that still needs to be done. We now have to think about how we can build on what’s been achieved and ensure that the momentum isn’t lost. This is a time for all of us in the industry to come together, to keep pushing for diversity, and to make sure the progress we’ve seen continues.”

It is sad, given the need for skilled employees in the sector, and the progress made in the last decades. We read of one case study, Emma Evans, who applied for labouring jobs in 2001 with housebuilders, who told her they don’t employ women. Now 46, Emma works in construction and has these words: 

"Women buy houses, they live in houses, so why not have women building those? We know what women want.”

But what about prejudice in the sector, a traditional male workplace?



There is less hostility in 2024 compared to 20 years ago and more.

Education providers, like Moulton College in Northants, have seen an upsurge in women on construction courses.

In Manchester, where Veritas Surveying are based, it is not unusual to see women on the many building sites across the city. 

With a shortage of construction workers across the UK, it is good to see Moulton College (and Milton Keynes college reporting an upsurge in female bricklayers) encouraging women into this vast sector.

It is sad though to read of the demise of “Women in Construction”.