Bill Hill: ONS suicide statistics highlight need for vital work
As well as the word unprecedented, we are now hearing the words mental health every day. That’s good because it means people are talking about the issues. But I was truly saddened to see the recent data published by the Office for National Statistics (ONS), which found that male suicides are now at their highest in two decades and suicides peaked in the 45 to 55 age category.
As a male-dominated industry, we know that construction workers will account for a huge proportion of these figures. I hardly dare think about what that means for this year and I hate to use the word ‘figures’. These are people, and everyone that takes their own life leaves behind parents, children, brothers, sisters and friends. The ripple is far-reaching and devastating.
We already know that construction workers are on the highly vulnerable list. Over 85% of the workforce are male and over 50% of the sector is made up of self-employed, agency staff or on zero-hour contract workers. The lack of job security can contribute significantly to poor mental health. And when they do get work, it can be away from home in an unfamiliar area without their normal support network of family and friends. Working long hours, trying to keep everyone happy including family, their boss, the main contractor and the client, often to extremely tight deadlines can simply be too much.
I have said before that I have sleepless nights trying to think of how we can get our services to individuals in crisis before they take their life. I am convinced that if given the opportunity we could manage to turn some away from suicide.
But despite the pandemic, I am proud to say that our charity has been able to respond to the needs of the industry.
Calls to our 24/7 helpline increased by 56% at the outbreak of the pandemic and our case load has almost doubled. 48% of the cases we manage are in the 40 to 60 age group and from lower income job categories in the sector. This is the most vulnerable group. Many have had a lifetime of physical labour and their bodies are failing but they need to keep working to support their families. Retirement for them is another lifetime away.
A crucial element of our charity strategy is to provide more pro-active interventions to support the industry’s mental wellbeing. This includes our free and confidential 24/7 Construction Industry Helpline and supporting app. We have also ensured the widespread availability of free construction focussed training programmes. These range from hour long interactive wellbeing sessions through to the full two day MHFA England approved Mental Health First Aider course. This will ensure that companies have access to a robust wellbeing strategy to support every level of their organisation from the boots on the ground workforce through to senior management.
One of the key findings of our recently published 2019 Impact Report was that 62% of emergency financial grants were to pay for daily living costs, paying bills and clearing rent arrears. Financial wellbeing is one of the key factors affecting mental health and the introduction of ‘bang on budget’ financial management sessions, aim to directly address these issues.
The fallout of Covid-19 has also seen an increasing number of redundancies across the industry so we have now also added two sessions aimed at improving employability with ‘At the Interview’ and a ‘CV Workshop’.
Our charity is hugely grateful for the generosity of the industry that allows all our charitable work to be free to the workforce but it would be great if we could reduce the cases by finding ways to better retain the productivity of these vulnerable skilled workers.
Both the pandemic and the impending “B” word has accelerated the use of technology in our industry. So perhaps focussing on retraining this age group on working with new machinery and technology might lower the calls to our helpline and give this workforce another 20 years working life and a retirement to look forward to.
Our mission is that no construction worker or their family should be alone in a crisis and being able to respond so quickly to the needs of our construction community means that we really can make a difference.
If you or anyone you know is struggling, you can reach out for free and confidential support through our 24/7 Construction Industry helplines.
UK 0345 605 1956, ROI 1800 939 122
George Roberts unveils its global rebrand
George Roberts Ltd, one of the UK’s leading independent suppliers of quality scaffolding and access equipment, has unveiled its global rebrand which will be launched across the industry.
George Roberts fresh new look signifies the progressive direction of the company and matches the evolution of its products, which consistently meet the daily challenges of its customers around the world.
One of the key drivers for the rebrand was to demonstrate that George Roberts Ltd is expanding, the company said today.Its expanding on all levels with wider international growth, a greater product offering, increased reliability and safety measures, alongside its ongoing commitment to support its customers to deliver their projects.
George Roberts Ltd says it holds a unique position within the construction industry as it offers expert advice across all sectors and has arguably the largest stockholding in the UK.
The well-known Liverpool based business also provides nationwide delivery within 48 hours.
Its global rebrand and its key values have been predominantly showcased throughout their new revitalized website www.georgeroberts.com, modernised logos as well as a fully co-ordinated Customer Service line to ensure a 360 approach across all communications, which will be supported with campaigns in all channels. George Roberts Ltd, who works with many leading brands at the forefront of the industry, will utilize the new platform to showcase the fact that it is a solutions-focused company, with over 25 years’ of history within the industry, and working across a wide range of sectors such as the Construction, Industrial, Rail, Oil & Gas and Marine industries. Danny Wood, Sales Director at George Roberts said: “We are absolutely delighted to launch our new and innovative approach for George Roberts Ltd as it encapsulates our company values and demonstrates our forward-thinking mantra for the years ahead. Our customers operate in complex and demanding situations and it is imperative that we are quick and agile in our thought process which is why we wanted to build a new brand identity which showcases that we are moving with the times whilst retaining our clients’ needs at the core of our business. This new look for George Roberts will also cement our place as a globally recognised company who offers a truly reliable service with a cost-effective solution for our customers – wherever they are in the world.”PHD named Access & Scaffolding Specialist of the year 2020
PHD Modular Access has scooped the Construction News Access & Scaffolding Specialist of the year award for the third year running.
The winners of the Construction News Specialists Awards 2020 were revealed during a virtual ceremony held online for the first time yesterday (17 Nov). Hundreds of people from the UK’s leading specialist contractors, clients and suppliers gathered to celebrate the best of construction at the online event. Attendees watched the hour-long online event that featured special presentations and online networking. From our sector, Uxbridge based PHD Modular Access was announced winners of the Access & Scaffolding Specialist 2020 category for the third year in a row.“We are delighted to win the access and scaffolding specialist for a third consecutive year; particularly given that 2020 has been such a challenging year for everyone.” Danny DwyerAccording to the Construction News, the company impressed the judging panel with its focus on improving diversity, mental health awareness and involvement with numerous community initiatives. PHD has also taken part in a number of iconic projects over the past year, including the transformation of the London Stadium from football ground to a concert venue and baseball stadium. Construction News judges said: “It was a very thorough submission and met all the criteria. It has taken a pro-active approach to the pre-construction phase and demonstrated good use of social media to display mental health initiatives.” After the event PHD Modular Access Managing Director Danny Dwyer told Scaffmag: “We are delighted to win the access and scaffolding specialist for a third consecutive year; particularly given that 2020 has been such a challenging year for everyone. This award is not just a reflection on the excellent people we invest in at PHD, but also the clients and contractors who we partner with on our projects. This year we made a conscious decision to focus on collaboration at the pre-construction phase to provide the correct access solution for our clients and it is great to see this reflected in the judges’ comments.”
Access & Scaffolding Specialists of the Year 2020 Finalists:
- AFI-Uplift
- CastleBuild Scaffolding
- LTC Scaffolding
- QFS Scaffolding
- Rose System Scaffolding
- TPA
CASS secures investment to build for the future
Scaffolding specialists, CASS have secured investment from the Development Bank of Wales which will allow the company to build for the future.
The firm employs around 60 people is based in Barry, Wales was established in 2008 by Managing Director Tom Gent. CASS supplies scaffolding for construction projects throughout Wales, the South West and the M4 corridor. Scaffmag understands the loan from the Development Bank will help CASS to purchase scaffolding equipment needed to meet growing demand. The new investment will also reduce long-term costs allowing the business to invest in additional resources including the appointment of five new apprentices. Managing Director Tom Gent said: “Covid has impacted us all but we’re building for the future and investing in our equipment and our people to be able to adapt to the new normal and look to the future with confidence. By improving cost efficiencies, we are able to invest in the business with additional resource; creating five new apprenticeship opportunities for local people as a result of better cashflow. “Finance from the Development Bank of Wales is flexible and affordable but the real value in their support is knowing that we’ve got an investment partner that believes in our business model and wants to help us to succeed.” Investment Executives Navid Falatoori and Joanna Thomas worked on the deal for the Development Bank of Wales. They said: “Tom and the team at CASS have remained busy throughout Covid-19 by ensuring that they can continue to deliver scaffolding solutions safely and in line with current legislation. “Operating in the commercial and residential markets, CASS benefits from a team of highly skilled and experienced scaffolders and a strong and profitable track record. The investment in the business will lead to long-term growth opportunities with our finance providing better control, flexibility and response time to customers. Less pressure on cashflow will also enable further investment including the creation of new jobs.” Funding for the deal came from the Wales Business Fund, part-funded by the European Regional Development Fund through the Welsh Government. The business also received funding from the Wales Covid-19 Business Loan Scheme (CWBLS).TRAD UK sponsors top industry awards
TRAD UK is set to support both the Construction News Specialist and Main Contractor awards, and speaking at Inspiring Women in Construction event.
TRAD UK, part of the TRAD Group and the new brand for the combined TRAD Hire & Sales and TRAD Safety Systems companies, is delighted to be sponsoring award categories in both the Construction News Specialist Awards 2020 on November 17th and its Main Contractor Awards 2020 on November 26th. TRAD Group’s Finance Director, Paige Matthews, will also be part of a panel at an Inspiring Women in Construction event this week. “We are extremely pleased that Construction News has had the vision to find a solution to presenting their annual awards virtually this year”, says TRAD Group CEO, Des Moore. “The team has clearly understood the importance of the awards going ahead ‘as usual’ and we feel it’s more important than ever to celebrate the people who have worked so hard to keep things going. In times when we are having to deal with so many work and personal issues, something like this is a real boon to self-confidence and good mental health and wellbeing. We’re looking forward to being part of the celebrations.” In addition to having a member of its staff shortlisted for the Apprentice of the Year Award, the company is sponsoring the Health, Safety & Wellbeing Excellence Award at the Specialist Awards, which take place online today. This category is for businesses that are committed to health, safety and wellbeing in the workplace, and who have clearly demonstrated initiatives, innovation and leadership in the area. The judges have been looking for businesses who are driving positive action and embedding these serious issues within their culture. “We chose to sponsor this award because it reflects our own commitment to improving health, safety and wellbeing in the industry,” comments, Des Moore. “We have our own initiatives, and we look out for our people – we want to support other businesses who are doing the same.” The Construction News Main Contractor Awards take place later this month, and TRAD UK is pleased to be sponsoring the Diversity & Inclusivity Excellence Award, where the shortlisted companies include some of the best-known names in the industry. The judges in this award are looking for businesses that encourage diversity across the business, with evidence of positive leadership, genuine staff engagement and representation in both culture and training. Businesses should have open employment opportunities and have clear benchmarks to measure their progress. “I have been passionate about diversity in the industry for a long time,” adds Des Moore. “We are deeply committed to furthering opportunities for everyone in the industry, starting with our own Group businesses. We encourage equality across the whole of TRAD and actively look for new ways to bring people of all genders and backgrounds into the industry where we can use and support their talent.” TRAD is also a major contributor to the Inspiring Women in Construction initiative, and on November 19th, Paige Matthews, the Group’s Finance Director, will join other leading women in the industry at an event to discuss how businesses can become more welcoming place for women, creating a better environment for all. The event will cover:- Creating a welcoming and inclusive industry and exploring how change can support future growth.
- At a corporate level, how are businesses changing practices to support women and their careers?
- What does a more inclusive and diverse company look like in practice for employees and it’s structure?
- How are leaders making the case to invest in more inclusive practices and what is impact on short-long term growth?
- What can be done to attract the next generation of women to enter the construction industry and ensure it has a better image?
Actavo becomes official Combisafe UK distributor
Actavo and Honeywell Combisafe partner up to supply its edge protection products.
Actavo Hire and Sales, the UK and Ireland building supplies company based in Wakefield, have signed a deal with Honeywell Combisafe to become an official distributor of its products. Actavo provides the industry synonymous edge protection product from Honeywell Combisafe, comprising of guard rails, toe boards and netting, all in one product. Honeywell Combisafe has been helping make construction sites safer for more than 30 years and has been an Actavo supplier for many of those years. Paul Norris, Managing Director, Actavo Hire & Sales said: “We have a significant history with Honeywell Combisafe, and this is a natural step in our relationship. We already had huge amounts of expertise in Honeywell Combisafe products across the business so making the move to official partner distributor was both an obvious and straightforward choice. By partnering with Honeywell Combisafe, we will be able to offer easier access to their products and superior levels of support over our competition.” Actavo’s official distributor status comes with a focus on Honeywell Combisafe’s barriers, steel mesh barriers and circular systems. Gerard Kennedy, Sales Leader at Honeywell Combisafe added: “We have a long-term relationship with Actavo, and we have a similar high regard for safety in the industry. We’re delighted to take the next step and announce a full distributor partnership with Actavo. We’re very excited about maximising the potential of their nationwide footprint and making more constructions sites across the UK as safe as possible.” Actavo works directly with many companies, large and small, across the UK delivering Honeywell Combisafe products to great effect.Lighthouse charity unveils £25K Christmas cracker
With Christmas events canceled across the country, the Lighthouse Construction Industry Charity has just the thing to lift the spirits of your employees, suppliers and sub-contractors.
Many companies already opt for an e-card or ‘charity cards’ but this one comes with the opportunity to win a share of a £25,000 prize pot!
With many people working from home there seems little point in sending conventional cards or gifts by post this year and the Christmas cracker e-card is also environmentally friendly.
What better way to spread some Christmas cheer amongst your employees, supply chain contacts and subcontractors than by giving them the chance to win a top prize of £10,000 whilst raising much-needed funds for Charity.
Cards cost just £1 each and you can choose from five great designs or if you’d prefer your own design then you can simply choose a plain ‘cracker’. You will then receive your e-card with your personalised greeting, company logo and unique reference number. Forward this to your contacts and all they have to do is register the card for a chance to win top cash prizes.
The prize pot consists of;
- 1 prize of £10,000
- 1 prize of £5,000
- 5 prizes of £1,000
- 10 prizes of £500
Government says thank you to all construction workers
Business secretary Alok Sharma has said thank you to everyone working in the construction sector.
The thank-you comes in an open letter addressed to everyone working in construction as he expressed his gratitude for the work being done during the Covid pandemic. He said: “During this difficult Autumn, I want to pay tribute to you and express my admiration for all the work you are doing. Whether working on large or small construction sites, in peoples’ homes across the country, in builders’ merchants, designing and project managing schemes or producing construction and mineral products, you are making an invaluable contribution in supporting the economy. “Since the outset of the pandemic in March, you have performed a vital role. In the past six months we have seen the industry build the Nightingale Hospitals, accelerate the delivery of infrastructure projects, support vital public services and help the country adapt buildings to become Covid-Secure. Whilst doing this, the industry has itself had to innovate and adapt, changing the way it operates on sites, finding more efficient ways of delivering projects, and collaborating effectively throughout the supply chain. My Department and I are in regular contact with industry leaders about the risks, issues and challenges you face.” He added: “Thank you again to everyone operating in the UK construction sector. You are making a hugely valued and critical contribution to our country.”KAEFER UK secures £90m contract renewal with Sellafield
KAEFER has bagged a £90m Industrial Services Framework contract renewal with Sellafield Ltd.
The deal will see KAEFER deliver a range of industrial services in Cumbria, including access, insulation and asbestos services. The initial contract duration is three years, with further options based on performance delivery, the firm said. KAEFER is said to be delighted with the news of extending its long-term relationship with Sellafield Ltd in the UK. Chris Foulkes, CEO of KAEFER in the UK & Ireland, said: “KAEFER are proud to be a leader in providing industrial services to the UK Nuclear Industry. This contract renewal was a key strategic target and was only achievable through demonstrating that, over the last seven years, our collaborative approach has had real impact and aligned us with our Client’s aim to ensure safe, efficient & innovative Industrial Services across the Sellafield site. We remain committed to continuous improvement, further developing the necessary skills in order to deliver our services by training existing personnel and investing in opportunities for residents of the local region. This will ensure we continue to support Sellafield’s mission and transformation plan well into the future. I would like to thank our Operations Director, Paul Hoyle and his team for the excellent work they have achieved for our Client. Only by delivering on our previous and current commitments has this renewal been possible.” Paul Hoyle, Operations Director, added: “This framework award is a testament to the exceptional skill, knowledge and experience our KAEFER team possesses. Not only in the successful delivery of an extremely competitive tender process, but also the ever-increasing levels of commitment and professionalism required to be at the forefront of safe, innovative delivery on such a complex facility as the Sellafield site.” Steve Bostock, Sellafield Ltd Site Director: “Congratulations to KAEFER Ltd. We look forward to continuing our important strategic relationship with the business through the next framework period. We are entering a crucial period in the history of Sellafield as we safely and securely complete our operational missions and transition to a full focus on decommissioning and waste management. Through this framework, KAEFER Ltd will make an important contribution to progressing our mission to make Sellafield safer, sooner.”Special guests including Harry Redknapp to feature at NASC’s virtual AGM
