Despite campaigning for gender parity for more than 100 years, the latest research shows that 68% of managers within the construction industry believe their sector still struggles with a lack of gender diversity.

The research, which comes from multi-discipline recruitment experts, Search Consultancy, was conducted with 1,000 managers and asked respondents to rate how they believed their industry compared against a range of diversity markers.

The full list, from most to least diverse in terms in gender representation, is:

• Legal – 40%
• Hospitality – 44%
• Marketing – 49%
• Sales – 50%
• Scientific – 52%
• Engineering & manufacturing – 52%
• Logistics – 53%
• Call & contact centre –  54%
• Accountancy & finance – 55%
• Business support – 56%
• Social work – 56%
• Healthcare – 57%
• Financial services – 59%
• HR – 59%
• Industrial – 60%
• Transportation – 63%
• Construction – 68%

The research also looks into racial and age diversity within businesses across the sectors. 56% of managers in the construction  industry believed their business lacked racial diversity with 54% admitting age diversity was an issue.

66% of managers also believe a more diverse workforce would help resolve the skills shortage in the construction industry.

Erin Vickers, director of talent and engagement at Search Consultancy, said: “Although research shows that 83% of managers in the construction  sector believe their industry is suffering from a skills shortage, little is being done to encourage a more diverse workforce and consequently widen the talent pool available.

“The benefits of having a diverse team are endless. Looking outside of the typical candidate demographic can help resolve the skills shortage, create a better understanding of customers and significantly improve employer brand. Now more than ever, it is time to encourage increased diversity in the workplace and help businesses grow following a very difficult 12 months.”

To read more about diversity in your sector and how it can help resolve the skills shortage, read Search Consultancy’s latest report, here: https://bit.ly/3c5gPVx