Building trade facing ‘mental health crisis’ as over half of construction workers have thought about suicide

THE building trade is said to face a mental health crisis as a survey showed more than half of construction workers have thought of suicide.

Nearly a quarter say they know a mate in the trade who has tried to take their own life.

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More than half of workers in the UK’s construction trade have thought about suicide, new research shows[/caption]

And almost three quarters of the 1,000 builders polled by Toolstation reckon not enough is being done on the issue.

Now a helpline dedicated to those working in the industry is being printed in the builders’ merchant’s catalogues.

Greg Richardson, of Toolstation, which carried out the survey, said: “Our research shows that there’s a mental health crisis in the construction industry, with almost one in four knowing someone that has attempted to end their life.

“Work in the sector is often characterised by limited-term contracts and long, unsociable hours away from family.

“Those who work for smaller organisations or are sole traders might not have easy access to mental health support, so raising awareness about the issue can help.”

It comes as mental health charity the Lighthouse Club launches a new campaign called ‘Make It Visible’ to highlight wellbeing support for construction workers – known for their bright high-vis jackets.

Half are worried about their finances and workload, while a quarter say work conditions impact their wellbeing.

A third are affected by problems at home – meanwhile 27 per cent of the 1,000 builders surveyed admitted they are lonely.

The 24/7 phone line is 0345 606 1956 or you can visit makeitvisible.info.