UK DIY News
MKM Leading The Way For Women In Construction
Independent Builders Merchant MKM is celebrating its cohort of 500 female members of staff across the UK as Women In Construction week continues.
Based on data from the Office of National Statistics from the third quarter of 2022, women make up 47.6% of the overall UK workforce. However, when female employment is broken down by industry, construction is one of the lowest representation sectors, with only 14.7% of those employed in the industry being women, 32.9% lower than the UK average.
Despite these less than flattering statistics, progress is being made and the trend is slowly moving in the right direction. For example, over the last 10 years, the number of women as a proportion of the overall construction workforce has increased by 36.9%.
At MKM, 500 of the total 2,700 workforce are female, equating to 19.2% - 3.5% ahead of the UK average.
To mark Women in Construction Week and International Women’s Day, MKM has created a video celebrating its female team, who work in positions ranging from Branch Directors to Yard Staff, Bathroom and Kitchen Designers, Drivers and more. There is not a single role across MKM branches that isn’t filled by a woman.
Kerry Hunt, Learning and Development Business Partner at MKM, said: “Our commitment to promoting diversity within our ranks is a long-standing cornerstone of our culture and every year, we are continuing to create fantastic opportunities for women wanting to build a career in construction.
“With nearly 500 women working in our team across the UK, MKM is leading the way when it comes to creating these opportunities - promoting the construction industry as a positive environment for women isn’t just a one-week thing at MKM, it’s a culture.
“This comes as a direct result of our commitment to creating a diverse, welcoming, and supportive environment for all across MKM.
“Our unique business model empowers Branch Directors to run their branches as their own business; a model which attracts the best and brightest of the sector’s talent pool, without discrimination.
“We are also doing more than simply focusing on the here and now when it comes to improving opportunities for women in construction.
“Our sector-leading apprenticeship schemes are attracting a diverse range of young talent to the sector, with female apprentices working across Central Support and our branch network.”
At the highest level, Kate Tinsley was named CEO of MKM in 2020, making her one of the most influential people in the UK merchant sector.
Women in Construction Week has celebrated and promoted the role of women in the construction industry each year since 1998 and MKM is proud to continue supporting this crucial campaign.
Source : MKM
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