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 ↑

KEWAZO builds first UK sales team as demand grows

German robotics company KEWAZO is establishing its first dedicated...

Considering a move to New Zealand? An established Auckland scaffolding business opportunity

For an experienced scaffolding operator looking to expand, acquire, or relocate, Sidewall Scaffolding offers something that normally takes years to build: an established Auckland business with equipment, customers, systems, and a platform for further growth.

Major fire hits scaffolding yard in Mitcham

Around 125 firefighters were deployed to a major fire in Mitcham that affected a scaffolding yard, workshop and nearby property, with investigators now examining the cause of the blaze.

Australian scaffolding group enters administration with over 650 jobs at risk

A group of companies linked to one of Australia’s...

M R Scaffolding named Access & Scaffolding Specialist of the Year

M R Scaffolding Services has been crowned Access & Scaffolding Specialist of the Year at the 2026 Construction News Specialists Awards, with Allen & Foxworthy also taking home a major project award.

Latest news

Scafom-rux to launch new VECTA roof and beam system at ScaffEx26

Scafom-rux will use ScaffEx26 in Manchester to launch VECTA, a new aluminium temporary roof and beam system designed around shared components and larger clear spans.
- Advertisement -
More from

M R Scaffolding named Access & Scaffolding Specialist of the Year

M R Scaffolding Services has been crowned Access & Scaffolding Specialist of the Year at the 2026 Construction News Specialists Awards, with Allen & Foxworthy also taking home a major project award.

KEWAZO builds first UK sales team as demand grows

German robotics company KEWAZO is establishing its first dedicated UK sales team as it looks to support growing demand...

Major fire hits scaffolding yard in Mitcham

Around 125 firefighters were deployed to a major fire in Mitcham that affected a scaffolding yard, workshop and nearby property, with investigators now examining the cause of the blaze.

£260k Newcastle Cathedral scaffolding contract opens for bids

Newcastle City Council has opened a £260,000 scaffolding tender to provide specialist access for conservation repairs to Newcastle Cathedral’s historic 15th-century Lantern Tower.
Latest articles