Scaffolder hits back over ‘woke builders’ story

ADVERTISEMENT

Hinkley Point C scaffolder Jamie Busby has launched a hard-hitting attack at the Daily Mail after the newspaper ran a story branding today’s construction workers as ‘woke’.

The article posted by the Daily Mail online carried the headline ‘UK builders go WOKE’ in a story about them discussing their feelings with colleagues.

The workers are described by the paper as being ‘sensitive souls’ who shun unhealthy foods and take an active interest in yoga and meditation.

Scaffolder Jamie Busby was so shocked and annoyed at reading the article that he filmed himself firing back at the newspaper, telling them to ‘give your heads a wobble’.

In a video, which was shot by the GMB Union, he explained that talking to colleagues on-site could save lives, and it was not a laughing matter.

Speaking on camera Jamie Busby said: “I’m a GMB Union Rep currently in construction at HPC (Hinkley Point C), Europe’s largest construction site and I’ve got a message for the Mail newspaper about your story calling us all ‘woke’.

“We work long hours in a manual job for long stretches away from our family and friends.

“We have the highest suicide rate among male occupations. It’s not easy being away from your home and family but I guess you wouldn’t understand that.

“So if you think it’s a laugh to take the mick out of us about yoga and meditation and other things, like our feelings, speaking to each other about our mental health, you need to give your head a wobble and get in the real world.

“Mental health is massive and people need to speak to each other. Talking to each other saves lives.

“Forget your divisive culture wars and your ‘woke’ narratives and we’ll carry on looking after each other here and our mental health at HPC and we’ll carry on reading a proper newspaper as well.

“And we absolutely love a breakfast, so get your facts right!”

SM Newsdesk
SM Newsdeskhttps://www.scaffmag.com
The staff at ScaffMag.com the leading scaffolding site for a digital generation.

Most popular ↑

Government announces paternity pay for self-employed dads

Self-employed fathers and partners are to receive two weeks of support under government plans, with payments currently worth up to £194 a week.

Two taken to hospital after Streatham scaffolding collapse

Two people were rescued before firefighters arrived after scaffolding collapsed on Streatham High Road on 25 October. Both were taken to hospital.

Scaffold Innovations: GapClamp™

  Since the Work at Height Regulations 2005 came into...

CISRS says CSCS notice was served to negotiate “from a stronger position”

NASC president Sarah Klieve says CISRS served CSCS notice to negotiate from a stronger position, as Build UK says the card rules don’t block other sectors.

Luton plans £11m scaffolding framework

Luton Council is preparing an estimated £11.04m scaffolding framework and will hold a supplier briefing next week ahead of a planned December tender.

Latest news

Shield completes Lansdowne Monument scaffold in 19 days

Shield designed and installed access for conservation of the 38-metre Lansdowne Monument, overcoming a steep, rutted approach to the exposed Wiltshire site.
- Advertisement -
More from

Self-employment reforms: what the proposals mean for scaffolding firms

A new government assessment examines proposed worker-status changes. What could they mean for scaffolding firms using self-employed labour?

Employment Rights Act changes hit scaffolding employers

Stronger harassment duties and a new union-access framework take effect on 30 October. Here is what scaffolding employers need to know.

Budget 2026: what it means for scaffolding firms

Fuel duty relief, higher minimum wages and apprenticeship measures feature in Budget 2026, as NASC warns investment promises must translate into construction work.

Alimak targets £6m savings as construction profits fall

Alimak sets out SEK80m (about £6m) annual savings target as construction profits fall, while reporting positive UK parts and service demand.
Latest articles