Construction industry: ‘I was told to man up or leave’
Every working day in the UK, two men working in the construction industry take their own life. That's according to the latest government statistics.
In England alone more than 276 construction workers took their own lives in 2020.
It's something that affects the building industry far more than any other sector.
Many workers are self-employed, agency staff or on zero hour contracts and charities have expressed concern that, because the industry is so fragmented, those that are struggling might not be getting the help they need.
BBC Radio 5 Live’s Naga Munchetty spoke to three men who have been affected by mental health struggles and suicide.
If you’ve been affected by any issues raised in this article, you can find help and support on BBC’s Actionline website.
‘It is a macho industry’
Mark’s son-in-law Matthew took his own life in 2020. He was in his early 30s, a dad to three children under five years old and had worked in the construction industry most of his life.
More than a year since Matthew’s death, Mark says the worries which the family believe led to his decision to end his life have “all but gone”.
“I just wish that Matthew would have spoken,” he said. “We all wish he’d shared worried, finances, life… [but] it wouldn’t have been cool to share things like that.
“It is a macho industry and I am certain a lot of [Matthew’s problems] were just not being able to communicate properly.”
Giving advice to anybody who is currently struggling, Mark says people should “just talk”.
“If it’s a financial thing - and I know it’s a very easy thing to say when you’re not in that position - it’s just money, it can be sorted, and was sorted and will be sorted. If you’re in that position, just talk.”
‘A problem shared, a problem halved’
Daniel got into financial difficulties after taking over his family’s construction firm and was “forced” to open up to his family after the problems became too big for him to hide.
“I’m very lucky that I’ve got a very understanding, loving family around me,” he said. “They helped me open up and be able to speak about my problems and fears.”
At his lowest point, Daniel says he didn’t want to harm himself, but “it wouldn’t have worried me if I didn’t wake up”.
The second-generation family business has since failed, something Daniel says he feels very guilty for because “you don’t want it to fail on your watch”.
“People need to try and talk to each other… we are all like suitcases, we put problems in the suitcase until it’s full and we can’t shut the lid anymore, but it’s a problem shared, a problem halved,” he said.
‘I was told to man up or leave’
Oliver left the construction industry in 2018 because of the way his mental health issues had been treated by his employer.
“Me and my friend were referred to as the ‘suicide squad’,” he said. “People seemed to think it was funny and when I reported it to my foreman, he told me it was banter and to ‘man up’ or leave.
“I didn’t have any confidence in it anymore… I felt no matter where I went, I would experience the same kind of culture.”
Oliver thinks there should be more education of managers to deal with staff who are struggling so they can effectively point staff towards help.
‘There needs to be a major shift’
Bill Hill is CEO of the Lighthouse Construction Industry Charity, he says the figures are a “surprise” because the industry has been working hard at recognising issues with mental wellbeing.
He says progress seems to be being made in looking after “professional side people, like civil engineers” but that there has been a large increase in mental health conditions in the unskilled areas of the industry.
“Our messages of support are not getting through to the boots on the ground,” he said. “Culturally there needs to be a major shift.”
If you’ve been affected by any issues raised in this article, you can find help and support on BBC Actionline.
