Builders Merchants Journal – BMJ Publishing to Builders Merchants and the UK merchanting industry for more than 95 years
A third (37%) of those who were polled in a survey that work in the construction sector believe that LGBTQ+ training could help improve diversity and inclusion in the sector, research by Travis Perkins has found.
The poll, commissioned by Travis Perkins, also found that 34% supported the idea of the sector having a diversity policy (a code of practice) while 33% said they take inspiration from role models at work.
61% of those who were polled said they felt that in the past ten years, the construction industry has become more inclusive of those from an LGBTQ+ background. 37% would tell management if they saw someone being discriminated against because of their sexual orientation, while 35% would call it out.
This celebration is integral to Travis Perkins Group’s Equality, Diversity and Inclusion strategy – ‘You be you, it makes us, us’ – which is designed to help the business build a more diverse and inclusive workplace where everyone is welcome, feeling that they belong and are comfortable to be themselves.
Margaret Ollerenshaw, HR Director from Travis Perkins, said: “Our research shows that respondents in the sector say it is more inclusive than ten years ago, but that training and a diversity policy could help improve this even further. Clearly more can be done to help encourage those who witness discrimination to call it out. Our ‘You be you, it makes us, us’ strategy means that we are committed to becoming a more inclusive business that attracts and nurtures a diverse range of talents and people, and reflects the wide range of communities that we work in. We have introduced a diversity and inclusion reverse mentoring programme, created an online Ally Workshop and launched a series of videos to raise awareness of what an Ally is. We believe that this will help to create an environment where everyone belongs, feels safe and comfortable about who they are and are valued for their contribution.”
“This year’s Northampton Pride Parade provided a great opportunity to celebrate diversity and support our colleagues and everyone from the local LGBTQ+ community and beyond.”
The news comes after Travis Perkins plc sponsored Northampton Pride, the first time it has done so. The Pride Parade took place on June 26 and was organised by the Northampton Pride Committee and West Northamptonshire Council’s (WNC) LGBTQ+ and Allies Forum and aims to celebrate the LGBTQ+ community and encourages acceptance and equality for all.
