n By Hajera Blagg ‘‘


I finally built up the courage to confide in the company owner who reassured me that I’d done the right thing by telling him. The following morning he sacked me


Unite construction survey respondent


Tracey went on to explain that sexual harassment is so common in the construction industry that women simply become hardened to it.


“You develop a thick skin; you often just accept it’s part of working in the industry as a woman – and that’s not right,” Tracey says.


A common coping mechanism for Tracey – and likely many other women – is to talk back to perpetrators. For example, when a male colleague once lewdly told Tracey not to turn around because he was urinating behind her, she retorted, ‘There won’t be much to see there anyway.’


“It’s horrible really,” Tracey said. “You shouldn’t have to lower yourself to their level just to survive.”


In the wake of the survey, Unite has launched a campaign which will lobby for a series of measures to tackle workplace sexual harassment.


These include the introduction of a standalone sexual harassment policy; mandatory training on sexual harassment for all employees; and a commitment to recognise union equality representatives with paid time off.


NEED HELP?


Been sexually harassed or witnessed harassment? Contact your Unite rep first – or email our dedicated Unite equalities team confidentially at UniteWomen@unitetheunion.org


Unite is pushing for the deadline for lodging a claim in an employment tribunal to be extended from three months after the incident occurred to six months as a minimum.


The union is also calling on the government to put in extra legal protections.


For example, third party harassment and sexual harassment should be treated by the Health and Safety Executive as a workplace injury.


Tracey welcomed each of these measures individually, but she believes a fundamental shift in the attitudes of apparently many men will be needed for them to stand with women as allies in the workplace.


“Many of our male colleagues totally agree with us and understand that sexual harassment in all its forms is wrong, but we need them to do something about it,” she said. “We need them to both let us speak for ourselves – not talk over us – but also speak up for us when it’s needed.”


It’s both through this grassroots work to shift entrenched attitudes among men in construction, and through Unite’s more formal campaigning, that change might just be possible.


Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said, “Nobody should suffer sexual harassment in the workplace. Unite is committed to taking a zero-tolerance approach and we will put every employer turning a blind eye on notice.”


Commenting, Unite national officer Jason Poulter said, “Unite stands with all of our women members. We will work with our women’s officer, Alison Spencer-Scragg, every step of the way to eradicate sexual harassment


l from our sector.


“We have taken concrete steps to act on the survey findings by bringing together regional officers and women construction activists to agree priorities for action and challenge employers who fail to meet their responsibilities.


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“Unite Women in Construction and Trades is focused on ensuring women’s voices are heard, supported and are organised to act collectively. Already, our zero-tolerance approach to sexual harassment is gaining traction across the industry, including adoption by Considerate Constructors.


“But this is only the beginning. Women in Construction is growing to help end inequalities against our members across the sector. If you’re a woman rep why not get more involved yourself?” he added.


FIND OUT MORE


Our campaign Zero Tolerance to Sexual Harassment is on our website. If you are in need of help or guidance, you can find a list of organisations that also offer support.


Visit our campaign at bit.ly/40hZAtk or scan the QR code


Following on from Unite’s work on this survey, next time buildingWORKER will feature an exciting new initiative called Women in Construction – a forum for women reps to discuss, listen to and campaign on important issues.


If you would like to join in a Women in Construction meeting on June 4 please let us know by emailing us at UniteWomen@unitetheunion.org. If you’re a rep and want to find out more about Women in Construction, or need further advice, contact our dedicated Unite equalities team confidentially at UniteWomen@unitetheunion.org – and title your email Women in Construction.


17 unite buildingWORKER Spring 2026


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