The Federation of Master Builders (FMB) has released a statement for World Mental Health Day (10th October 2025), calling for changes to attitudes.
The statement calls upon all within the industry to make mental health a top priority for themselves and others.
Suicide rates within construction are nearly four times the average
The FMB is calling for more self-care, as long hours, lack of job security, the physical demands of the job, and the culture within the job all both increase risk of poor mental health, and discourage reaching out for help.
The FMB is urging those within the industry to not hesitate to reach out for help when needed, and encourage others to open up as well. Organisations can help with this, such as through the Lighthouse Charity.
Brian Berry, FMB chief executive, said: “Mental Health in the construction sector is a topic that needs to be discussed much more within industry and beyond. The construction sector is built on teamwork and trust, and these values must extend to how we handle mental health.
“World Mental Health Day is a reminder that too many builders are still facing these challenges – caused by tough, physically demanding working conditions alone.
“Every small building business has a duty to prioritise mental wellbeing. It’s only through leadership, open discussion and action that we can create a safer, healthier construction sector – that encourages those who need help, to ask for it.”
Construction faces unique pressures
For World Mental Health Day, PBC Today interviewed Andrew Kitley, founder and MD of Kitall, about his experiences and opinions on mental health in construction.
Regarding stigma surrounding mental health in the industry, and the higher incidences of poor mental health, Andrew said: “The stigma has reduced a lot, and the industry has made real progress. Where we can go further is in how support is delivered. Traditional sit down therapy does not work for everyone. Many men open up more in shoulder to shoulder settings, doing an activity together, building something, or playing sport while talking. Leaders can champion a mix of options so people can choose what feels natural.
“Much of it is structural. Margins are tight, programmes are compressed, and there is pressure on site teams to deliver the impossible. We should be proud of the UK’s strong health and safety standards, but the compliance and administrative load adds to the day to day strain. None of this is about lowering standards, it is about recognising the cumulative pressure on the people doing the work.”
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