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In a world that is aiming for better, faster and greener delivery, the Save Construction Initiative (SCI) is an industry-driven taskforce influencing the stability of the UK construction sector. We represent the people, and act as the voice of the collective.

Why is this important?

Insolvency

The UK construction sector is consistently ranked number one for insolvency, with more than 3,000 firms failing every year. This number is far greater than any other sector, and causes significant economic, social and environmental harm. It is anticipated that this figure will exceed 6,000 organisations in 2023, creating a debt to the country running into the millions.

National skills shortage

We are at crisis point. The construction sector has an aging workforce. The average age of a construction worker is 42.5 years old and young people are not entering at the same rate. The construction industry has been plagued by catastrophic events such as the collapse of big companies, recession, and the pandemic. All of which has had a detrimental effect on the industry’s reputation and discourages applicants.

Procurement

There is a distinct separation between policy and people. We are attempting to bridge the gap by encouraging collaborative working. The IED’s current work in this area, and its From the Ground Up – Improving the Delivery of Social Value in Construction report, is valuable.

Beyond these three aspects, as a sector, we have the highest number of suicides. There are circa 700 suicides per annum – that is two construction workers per day. Referring to the Greater Manchester Mayoral report, emphasis has been placed on homelessness and mental health. Construction is a breeding ground for both.

So, what is our focus?

The SCI is taking a stand for its people, their livelihoods, and their future. We are here to make the industry and its people resilient and challenge behaviours that make the sector vulnerable. 

The construction sector is one of the leaders of the global economy. It is a sector that employs 2.66 million people and a sector considered fundamental for contributing towards economic growth of the nation and delivering the services that society relies upon. Insolvency, skills shortages, and suicide should not be words associated with a sector that is still considered one of the highest paid industries, with an average salary of more than £45,000.

As a taskforce, the SCI is doing great things under our themes.

SHARE

We are working with industry stakeholders to build a more stable construction industry.

LEARN

We are supporting research surrounding stability of the industry and the factors that make it more vulnerable to failure than other industries. 

CHANGE 

We are lobbying government for marketplace stability, through policy development in areas of planning, finance, procurement, research, and innovation.

IMPROVE

We are working towards implementing new industry-wide practices that enable the stability of the construction industry.

PEOPLE

We are seeking to underpin the stability of the construction industry by improving people outcomes.

To date, we have the backing of reputable government leaders and have forged alliances with key professional bodies, including the Chartered Institute of Building, Chartered Institution of Building Services Engineers, National Federation of Builders and the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors, and the IED is also supportive.

The Save Construction Initiative is positively boosting enthusiasm for a change coalition to challenge behaviours that are consistently causing a decline in our sector. We are supporting Build Back Better aiding professional development of our people to shape people’s life chances and encouraging young people into the sector.

Zoe Brooke is CEO of Save Construction Initiative, a not-for-profit organisation that is steered by a group of volunteers drawn from a mix of industry professionals.