Nicola Hodkinson, owner of Seddon Construction and trustee of Mates in Mind, shares why the growing number of self-employed workers in construction, in particular, are experiencing mental health challenges
Self-employment offers freedom and flexibility, but for many construction workers, it can also come with hidden costs.
Construction is facing a silent epidemic. According to the Chartered Institute of Building’s (CIOB) Understanding Mental Health in the Built Environment 2025 report, there are staggering levels of mental health issues impacting the workforce, with 96% of people working in the industry reporting stress, and 28% experiencing suicidal thoughts.
Self-employed construction workers may experience particular issues
For self-employed workers, which now account for more than a third of the workforce according to 2025 ONS data, the pressures are even greater.
Recent research from Warwick University and Mates in Mind found that many ‘on-the-tools’ construction workers describe feeling like “just a number” in a system that prioritises speed and profit over wellbeing. Poor planning, long hours and inconsistent communication were cited as leading causes of stress, while self-employed participants highlighted financial insecurity, lack of sick pay, and isolation as additional risks.
These findings underscore just how critical it is for the industry to act, and fast. While much progress has been made over the last decade, much of it has been at main contractor level – we must consider the full picture, working boots-on-the-ground with everyone across the supply chain. We cannot stop at raising awareness. We need decisive, co-ordinated action to ensure that mental health is a core part of health and safety, and to build a culture where every worker, regardless of contract type, feels valued and supported.
The hidden strain of self-employment
Even before self-employment enters the picture, construction can be tough on mental health. Long hours, high-pressure environments and periods away from home can all take a toll. But for self-employed workers, those pressures can quickly multiply.
Warwick’s study revealed that the “inherent challenges of self-employment” – including lack of job security, unpredictable pay and limited access to support – were among the most frequently cited sources of anxiety. Many workers also reported accepting excessive workloads and returning to work even when injured, for fear of losing income.
Without the security of paid leave or guaranteed income between projects, it’s easy for financial strain to build. Meanwhile, access to wellbeing initiatives often stops at the boundary of direct employment, leaving self-employed individuals unsupported, and signs of anxiety and burnout undetected.
These challenges are not just individual – they are systemic. The way self-employment is embedded within the industry creates conditions that put mental health at risk. It’s time for the sector to acknowledge those realities and take proactive steps to reduce the strain.
Embedding mental health into everyday safety
The industry has made progress in recent years, but it’s not enough, as this epidemic continues to harm countless workers. Mental health can’t be treated as a one-off campaign or awareness-day topic. It must be built into the fabric of workplace culture and treated with the same level of importance as on-site health and safety.
If we are going to be serious about protecting our people on the ground, then well-being support must extend to everybody on site – not just those in permanent roles. That means making mental health support visible and accessible to all employees through training, signposting clear routes to resources, and by fostering a culture where honest conversation is encouraged.
At Seddon, wellbeing is embedded in daily operations through mental health first aiders, manager training, and regular site check-ins. This aligns with Mates in Mind’s 10 Core Standards, which include producing a clear mental health plan, developing awareness training for all employees, and ensuring transparency through regular reporting.
Small but consistent steps, like workload reviews, team briefings and peer-led conversations, help to normalise support and ensure no one slips through the cracks.
From awareness to accountability
Creating lasting change requires leadership that is proactive, not reactive. Leaders must look beyond productivity metrics and profit margins to ask whether every worker – employed or self-employed – feels safe, connected, and supported.
Warwick’s findings underline that many construction workers feel undervalued and disconnected from management, with some describing a “just get on with it” culture that discourages open discussion of mental health. Changing this requires visibility from leaders, not just posters or policies.
Practical changes like fair, timely payment systems, realistic scheduling and improved site facilities are among the top recommendations from the research. These are not luxuries – rather they are essential for reducing stress and rebuilding trust across the workforce.
At an industry level, it is critical to compile evidence, proactively support policy change, and embed robust well being standards across every area of the business. True accountability means treating mental health data with the same importance as safety metrics and project milestones.
Act now to create lasting change
The mental health crisis sweeping our industry is a silent killer. If we’re serious about safety, we must treat mental health with the same urgency as physical risk – because we can’t build a stronger industry without protecting the people who build it.
Explore the full findings of Warwick University’s research here.
If you or anyone you know needs support, reach out to Mates in Mind. And if you’re a contractor looking to better support your supply chain, click here to become a Mates in Mind Champion.
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