Almost 200,000 women work in the construction industry, accounting for just 10% of the workforce. The Equal  Opportunities Commission highlighted construction as an industrial sector which was viewed as a no-go area for women.

The report, written by Sonia Gurjao from the University of Reading, highlights how recruiting women can fill the skills shortage.

Gurjao said: “The recruitment of women is no longer simply a nice thing to do; it has become a necessity.” Michael Brown, CIOB deputy chief executive said: “Attracting and retaining more women in the construction sector is a key priority for the UK. In countries such as ours where skill and labour shortages exist increasing the number of women in the workforce would go some way to solving the problem.”

He added: “Many industries, including the construction industry, harbour discrimination through unequal pay schemes.

The CIOB recognises the positive contribution of women within the industry and calls for women and men to be treated as equals.”