Sometimes, things have to get worse, before they get better, so people say. Well, as regards public perception and corporate credibility, the construction industry in the UK must be ready to pivot. Last year saw the tragedy of the Grenfell Tower fire. Then, at the start of 2018, came Carillion.

The consensus view emerging appears to be that the issues in the sector are systemic, not isolated.

Mr. McCarthy

The consensus view emerging appears to be that the issues in the sector are systemic, not isolated. In short, the problem is construction, not just Carillion suggests Mr. McCarthy. 

“What other sector has businesses making paper-thin margins at the top of the supply chain and trading risk down below tier one to companies they don’t even know, in some cases?”

The knock-on effects of this structural malaise are felt not only companies but also individuals, the people – with sometimes tragic consequences, adds Mr. Frise. 

The Mind Matters research conducted by Construction News last year uncovered shocking figures for mental health within the industry, revealing one in four construction workers surveyed had contemplated taking their own life, rising to one in three amongst junior staff and graduates. (Source: raconteur.net)