CITB research reveals encouraging increase
The number of women pursuing construction training is rising, according to the Construction Industry Training Board (CITB).
The CITB cited data from the Department for Education, which revealed that the number of women starting construction apprenticeships increased from 1,450 in 2018 to 2,410 in 2025.
The number of women completing construction apprenticeships over the same period rose from 340 to 910.
With 47,000 additional workers needed each year to meet demand, the CITB said that “diversity in construction should not be viewed as a challenge to be managed, but a solution to the skills gap”.
In 2025, the Women and Work all party parliamentary group published their Women and Work APPG Report 2025, which set out how to encourage more women to enter the construction industry, such as improving the culture on sites, using procurement to force change, and ensuring sites have adequate toilets and changing facilities.
Tradespeople suffering from mental health challenges
Around one in five tradespeople in the UK say that their job is harming their mental health, according to survey data from Trade Direct Insurance.
Mounting financial pressure, overwhelming workloads and the fear of theft was “pushing many to breaking point”, said the firm, with survey data revealing that 19% of respondents say that their job is directly causing mental health struggles.
Patricia Gardiner, Sales and Marketing Director for Trade Direct Insurance, commented: “Tradespeople often carry enormous responsibility managing customers, materials, cash flow and tight deadlines whilst also dealing with the physical demands of the work. When you layer financial uncertainty and theft risks on top, it’s no surprise many are feeling overwhelmed.
“What’s particularly concerning is how normalised this pressure has become. Many trades simply push through stress because they feel they have to, but sustained pressure without support can have long-term consequences.”
Private housing drives construction output growth
New data from the Office for National Statistics has found that a rise in private housing work underpinned a 1% increase in construction output in February.
Private new housing grew by 4.3%, as construction output rose for the second month in a row, following a 0.2% rise in January.
However, construction output still fell by 2% in the three months to February 2026, marking the fifth consecutive decline in the rolling three-month series.
Developer and supply chain updates
Barratt Redrow completed 3,274 homes in the third quarter to March 29, down from 3,717 a year earlier, taking year-to-date completions to 10,718.
The housebuilder reported a net private reservation rate of 0.64, up from 0.62, and said it remains on track to deliver 17,200–17,800 homes this year, including around 600 from joint ventures. Chief executive David Thomas said strong forward sales and an advanced build programme support expectations of meeting consensus profit forecasts of £568m, with the group maintaining a disciplined approach to investment and costs.
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Vistry Group has appointed Adam Daniels as Chief Executive Officer and Executive Director with immediate effect, promoting him from his role as executive chair of one of its largest operating divisions. A member of the group’s leadership team, Daniels joined Countryside Partnerships in 2016 and has since played a key role in expanding the business and establishing new regions.
With prior experience at Galliford Try Partnerships and Bloor Homes, Daniels brings extensive expertise across the partnerships, affordable housing and housebuilding sectors. The company highlighted his strong track record in operational delivery, capital discipline and land management, alongside established relationships with major local authorities and housing associations.
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Taylor Wimpey has appointed Maria Sebastian as its first Group Customer Experience Director, tasking her with leading sales, marketing and customer service as part of the group management team. The company said she will play a key role in delivering a cohesive customer journey across the business.
Sebastian joins from Greene King and brings experience from roles at Virgin Atlantic, American Airlines and Starbucks, with a background in brand and customer strategy. She said she aims to strengthen customer experience and build trust throughout the homebuying process.
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