The Construction Leadership Council (CLC) has launched a national consultation to help tackle one of the most serious challenges facing our industry: poor mental health.
Following a series of focus groups held in partnership with Mates in Mind and the University of Warwick, the consultation seeks views from across the sector on the underlying causes of mental ill-health in construction, and how they can be reduced or removed.
This is a vital opportunity for small to medium sized (SME) building business owners and team leaders to shape what happens next. The consultation is open until 5 November 2025, and your input could help set the direction for future industry-wide action on mental health.
Why this consultation matters
The CLC’s consultation forms part of its Health, Safety and Wellbeing Strategy, which aims to address the systemic issues contributing to poor mental health across construction.
The latest data from the Office for National Statistics shows that suicide rates among construction workers are nearly twice as high as the national average, with 30 suicides per 100,000 workers in 2021. Behind those figures are real people — colleagues, friends, and family members — whose wellbeing depends on how we respond as an industry.
In its announcement, the CLC stated:
'These are not numbers – they are husbands, wives, dads, mums, children and friends.'
By taking part in the consultation, SME leaders can help identify what’s driving stress, anxiety, and burnout on site and in the office. Your perspective can ensure that the voices of smaller firms — which make up the backbone of the industry — are heard when the CLC shapes its future plans.
What the consultation covers
The consultation sets out the key factors that contribute to poor mental health in construction, from long hours and financial pressures to insecure work and poor communication. It asks for views on how these issues can be addressed through practical, systemic change.
It also uses a ‘hierarchy of control’ model, which focuses on tackling problems at their root, not just managing symptoms. By identifying what can be eliminated, reduced, or better controlled, the CLC aims to move towards a more sustainable and supportive culture across the sector.
At the end of the consultation period, responses will be analysed and used to inform an industry-wide action plan, to be published in spring 2026. This plan will outline what the CLC and key stakeholders can do together to make meaningful improvements to mental health in construction.
Quick and anonymous
The consultation is completely anonymous and designed to be straightforward to complete:
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Part one takes around six minutes.
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Part two is optional and takes a further eight to ten minutes.
That’s less than 20 minutes to make a real difference to the wellbeing of people across our industry. If you’re responsible for a team in an SME construction firm, the CLC want to hear from you.
Time to improve mental health in construction
FMB members know better than most that good mental health is essential to running a safe, productive, and thriving business. Yet smaller firms often face unique pressures — tight deadlines, financial uncertainty, and the challenge of supporting staff while managing workloads.
Your voice matters. By sharing your experience through the CLC’s consultation, you can help ensure that the solutions developed reflect the realities of SME builders and the teams they lead.
The FMB encourages all business owners and senior leaders to take part and to share this invitation with your teams and networks.
Take part today
The consultation closes on 5 November 2025. Complete it here:
Together, we can build a healthier, safer, and more supportive construction industry for everyone.
