FMB urges builders to prioritise mental health

​​​​​​​Nearly 75% of the UK's 2.1 million construction workers have been affected by mental illness, with reports that almost a third experience daily anxiety

The Federation of Master Builders (FMB) is calling on building companies across the UK to prioritise mental well-being on National Stress Awareness Day.

With the construction industry facing unprecedented challenges, including an ageing workforce, skills shortages, economic uncertainty, and demanding project deadlines, builders are experiencing heightened levels of workplace stress.

The FMB is urging members and the wider construction sector to use this Stress Awareness Day as an opportunity to be open and have conversations about mental health and signpost employees to vital support services if needed.

Studies show that about 73% of the UK's 2.1 million construction workers have been affected by mental illness, with reports that almost a third experience daily anxiety.

FMB chief executive, Brian Berry said: "National Stress Awareness Day is an essential reminder that mental health must be made a priority in the construction industry. Builders face unique pressures with harsh working conditions, long days, enormous physical demands, job insecurity, and time away from their families -all of which can take a significant toll on mental well-being.

"As an industry, we need to break down the stigma surrounding mental health and create environments where workers feel comfortable talking about it and comfortable reaching out when they're struggling.

“The statistics are stark: construction workers are at higher risk of suicide than the general population. Not to mention the millions of pounds in costs due to stress-related absences that the industry incurs each year.”