Making construction a period dignified environment

Increased awareness about periods is the best way for industry to improve its working practices.

Unite the union has conducted a survey of 2,000 women working across the construction industry about their experiences with period dignity.

65% of those who responded said their employer had failed to make adjustments to accommodate their needs as female workers.

A lack of sanitary bins and clean toilets were highlighted as major concerns.

Unite are calling for four policies which they believe can make a significant improvement to the lives of female construction workers:

1. Designated female toilets, always accessible, regularly cleaned and lockable

2. Handwashing facilities with running water and soap provided

3. Sanitary bins provided which are clean and regularly emptied

4. Sanitary products provided in a dispenser in a discreet location and ideally free.

The National Federation of Builders (NFB), the trade association for SME constructors and house builders, welcomes the campaign’s effort to increase awareness about period dignity and believes it is the best way to deliver improved working environments.

Richard Beresford, chief executive of the NFB, said: “This survey highlights what more the industry can do to create excellent working environments and as a trade federation for construction SMEs, we welcome these findings. Increased awareness about periods is the best way for industry to improve its working practices.

Monika Slowikowska, NFB member and director of Golden Houses Limited, said: “We cannot speak for other companies, but at Golden Houses we always try to provide the right facilities for women. If we’re going to encourage more women into the construction industry, their basic needs must be met. Talking more openly about those needs is an important first step to meeting them.

rdtsystems

You May Also Enjoy

Breaking News

Revealed: the most lucrative shared living postcodes

New research from COHO, the HMO management platform, reveals that the shared living market in England & Wales generates an estimated monthly rental income of £1.4bn. But which postcode areas are creating the most income from shared living? How much are HMOs making in your postcode? Find out here COHO has analysed the estimated number…
Read More
Breaking News

Mortgage approvals continue to climb in June

The latest mortgage approval data from the Bank of England figures show that: – Mortgage approvals on house purchases for June sat at 64,167 up (+1.4%) from 63,288 in May. This signals two consecutive months of growth. Approvals are also up (+5.6%) when compared to the 60,761 seen in June 2024. This growth is positive,…
Read More
bank of england interest rate
Breaking News

Bank of England Money & Credit Report June 2025

Net borrowing of mortgage debt by individuals increased by £3.1 billion to £5.3 billion in June, compared to a £2.8 billion increase to £2.2 billion of net borrowing in May. Net mortgage approvals for house purchases increased by 900, to 64,200 in June. Approvals for remortgaging also increased by 200, to 41,800 in June. This…
Read More
Breaking News

Housing market’s summer surge dampened by soaring stamp duty costs

Housing market activity has surged, with buyer demand up 11 per cent and agreed sales up eight per cent year-on-year, defying typical summer slowdown National house price inflation has slowed to 1.3 per cent, driven by a 12 per cent increase in homes for sale and higher stamp duty costs for many buyers Higher stamp…
Read More
Rightmove logo
Breaking News

Rents reach another new record as tenants pay £400 more than five years ago

The average advertised rent of homes outside of London has risen to another new record this quarter of £1,365 per calendar month (pcm), but the yearly pace of rent growth continues to slow: London rents also reach a 15th consecutive new record of £2,712 pcm this quarter Five years on from the pandemic, new tenants…
Read More
Breaking News

Six UK vineyards where homebuyers avoid the 84% premium

Six affordable UK vineyards where homebuyers avoid the 84% house price premium and toast a better deal The latest research from Yopa has revealed that living close to one of the UK’s top vineyards will set homebuyers back an average of £494,739, 84% more than the current UK average house price. However, there remain a…
Read More