Diversification of the U.K. Construction Industry: A Framework for Change

Abstract

Construction in the United Kingdom enjoys the unenviable status of having the lowest representation of women and members of ethnic minority groups of all major industries and sectors. Despite considerable efforts to diversify the labor force in recent years, there has been little change in the number of nonwhite males seeking a career in construction. Further, the few women and members of ethnic minorities who do enter the sector often encounter harassment and discrimination and find fewer opportunities for advancement than their white male colleagues. A set of integrated labor market policies aimed at addressing the underrepresentation of women end ethnic minorities in the construction industry is proposed. The assertions and recommendations put forward are based on research that has explored the experiences of minority entrants working within the sector and the factors militating against workforce diversity. It is argued that the radical initiatives proposed here hold promise for shifting the current culture in the industry to one more accepting of nontraditional entrants.