One in four UK construction workers identify as having a neurodiverse condition, according to research conducted by the National Federation of Builders (NFB), the Construction Industry Training Board (CITB) and People’s Partnership. Among these workers, ADHD is the most prevalent, accounting for 54% of neurodiverse individuals.
Around a third (34%) of neurodiverse workers stated that their condition heightened their desire to work in the construction sector. Just 5% of the people surveyed felt that their condition made them less inclined to work in the industry.
Most (67%) of the construction workers polled indicated that the sector is capable of accommodating and aiding individuals with diverse neurological conditions. Further, 80% of respondents who reported disclosing their neurodiverse condition to their employer said that the employer made reasonable adjustments for them; 71% of the people affected reported receiving additional support.
“There is, of course, still work to do when it comes to stigma,” said Joe Cook, the NFB’s senior vice chair. “The research shows that almost 40% of neurodiverse workers have not told their employers [about their condition]. Of those, about a third say it is because they are worried about the stigma, and a significant percentage say they are embarrassed.
“This is simply not acceptable. We can only get the best out of our people when they feel fully supported, and it is hard for employers to support where we do not know the challenges that our people face. With more awareness, we can change that. Between us, the NFB and CITB, it is our mission to do so.”
To understand how many of those working in the industry are neurodiverse, and the challenges and hurdles they face, the NFB commissioned research undertaken by market research company OnePoll between 20 March and 30 March 2023. The full report is available for download on the NFB’s website.
More than 1,000 UK adults working in the construction industry took part in the survey. Neurodiversity is the term used to describe the different ways in which people’s brains function, learn and process information.
Watch GGP’s interview with Mark Charlesworth, a workplace neurodiversity consultant and coach, here.
