Workplace equality: Homophobia still rife in the construction industry

A study has found that 85% of lesbian, Gay, or bisexual (LGB) workers in the construction industry say they have experienced derogatory remarks.

The study ‘Attitudes in Construction’ carried out by Construction News, Architects Journal and New Civil Engineer polled almost 1,000 respondents and reveals that homophobic attitudes are still prevalent in the industry.

Only 14% of gay employees said they would be open about their sexuality on site, while only 11% of LGB workers felt that their sexuality did not hinder their career opportunities.

An average of 60% of gay respondents said they felt comfortable being open with immediate colleagues about their sexuality, but the figure varies across the industry from 72% employed in the architecture side of the industry to just 27% in the contracting sector.

The study says that there is insufficient data on the experiences of transgender people in the workplace but it is thought that given the findings on homophobia, a similar level of discrimination would be applicable to transphobia. A respondent said: “This is not an industry for gay people, but for transgender people in particular it is highly unsafe.”

Equality campaign group Stonewall’s annual Workplace Equality Index – a list to compile the UK’s leading companies for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender equality – has no place for any companies from the built environment sector.

Client Account Manager for Stonewall, Matteo Lissana said: ‘The construction and built environment sectors are historically very traditional, and changes in the industry take a long time to implement.

‘The industry is still struggling with gender equality, which has remained for years the main focus of the sector.’

Harry Rich, Chief Executive of the RIBA, expressed disappointment at the findings and feels much more needs to be done to remedy the situation. He said: “There must be collective responsibility at all levels and in every part of the country to confront the issues and deliver a solution that prioritises equality.”

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