News / Gender Equality
South West has second highest gender representation in UK trade industries
The South West region has made notable strides in gender representation within the trades sector, earning the distinction of being the second best in the UK in terms of the balance within traditionally male-dominated professions.
Women, however, still constitute fewer than three per cent of the trades workforce in the area.
A new study reveals that despite the South West having the second-highest number of female trade workers, women only make up 2.36 per cent of the industry workforce. In the survey, only London with a representation of 3.42 per cent, faired better than South West.
This new research follows the recent survey conducted by Tradespeople search platform, My Local Toolbox, on the representation of tradeswomen in the UK. According to the findings, fewer than four per cent of tradespeople are women.
The survey further broke down the figures, indicating a higher representation in the gardening and landscaping branches that stands at 17 per cent. However, the female bricklayers, tilers and roofers fell below one per cent.
Despite the commendable progress, women still constitute less than three per cent of the trades workforce in the area – photo: Hill Group
The survey, published by Kingfisher plc reiterated the findings of My Local Toolbox that the industry is one of the least diverse, and this shortfall will potentially contribute to costing the UK economy around £98bn in economic growth by 2030.
Currently, there are 1,051,508 skilled workers in England and Wales. Of this, 1,026,734 are male, with just 24,774 females making up the remaining workforce. According to financial analysts, this stark gender disparity in the trade sector is a pressing issue that needs immediate attention as it threatens to impede the economic growth.
By analysing the data, money.co.uk business insurance experts has revealed the demographic differences across the skilled trades sector in the top three UK regions, including the South West.
Kyle Eaton, money.co.uk business insurance expert, said: “Workplaces focusing on diversity have a range of experiences, opinions and beliefs that can benefit your business, improve morale and solve problems creatively.” He said.
“The first step in attracting and hiring a diverse workforce and fostering inclusivity is evaluating how you appeal to applicants. Start by looking through job descriptions and identifying any language that could put off diverse applicants, including gendered language like ‘tradesman’.”
On promoting a supportive work culture, he said: “When attracting diverse talent in skilled trades, workers want to feel respected, valued and safe. So, make sure to reinforce a supportive company culture.
“This can mean different things to different people. You could start with acknowledging and addressing a gender pay gap if it exists within your business. You could also provide opportunities for training and education.”
Earlier this year, UWE Bristol announced its plans to increase numbers of women on engineering and construction degree apprenticeship courses to address industry underrepresentation – photo: UWE Bristol
There are training programmes specifically designed to support female tradespeople, from apprenticeships to advanced skill courses.
Earlier this year, UWE Bristol announced its plans to increase numbers of women on engineering and construction degree apprenticeship courses to address industry underrepresentation, supported by funding from the Office for Students (OfS).
The university has been awarded £176,000 for six of its degree apprenticeship courses, which includes construction site management and building services design.
The funded programmes include employer engagement and role model outreach work to increase female representation.
Main photo: Scott Blake
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