A selection of some of the best readers’ comments in response to stories published in CM and its sister titles.
“The article really struck a chord. I was also made redundant following the collapse of ISG, a mere three weeks before going on maternity leave. Reading the ISG workers’ stories is exactly what my partner and I are going through, placing us in immediate debt and uncertainty about our future. Unfortunately, as a senior employee, I too have been the breadwinner in our household which has now left a huge hole in our ability to live and survive following ISG’s demise.”
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“Yet again, pregnant women and mothers are left alone. I was at risk of redundancy by Carillion while on maternity leave and felt abandoned by my managers. Worse, I was being pushed into a non-technical role simply because it ‘suited’ part-time working women. No effort was made to create a technical role aligned with my experience and skills.
“This was over 10 years ago, and it’s disheartening to see we haven’t moved on as much as we might think. I hope people read the article and reflect on how they can better support these women.”
Ele George
Why thatched roofs have carbon concerns
Andy Dodson MCIOB from Solent University told CM about his research on the supply chain issues concerning reed used for thatched roofs. Here’s what our readers thought about it.
“This sounds very interesting and I hope the final research will be shared widely. Are you also looking at the lifecycle carbon cost of reed thatch and comparing it with slate or tile?
“An interesting comparison is the Stone Carbon Calculator which has been developed by Historic Environment Scotland and is available free via The Engine Shed website.”
Sara Carruthers MCIOB
“It would be wonderful to see what the research brings up. Many reed beds in the UK are now unmanaged, but the distance imported materials travel should surely be a part of the case for bringing them back into production.
“Ecology is another issue for discussion. Labour cost is often a factor and the machinery which makes it easy to harvest is expensive – without it, it’s hard work but not unachievable.
“Are you part of the thatching material research which is currently being undertaken, or is it just coincidence? Please stay in touch.”
Karen Crouch
Should we just stop building?
Readers reacted to this 21CC podcast episode, where built environment experts Hero Bennett, Will Arnold and Saul Humphrey FCIOB joined a debate on the industry’s role in driving down carbon emissions.
“Absolutely. ‘Do not demolish’, ie, preserve. This is the first presumption of good conservation practice. Recycle, reuse, retrofit. Fundamentally, assess what changes are for and question the feasibility of growth.”
Nicholas Waring
“The global nuances of this discussion are so important, but it’s extremely challenging to get clients to see this bigger picture when they are tunnel-visioning on the UK and their companies’ ESG. I’m trying to get my head around how to communicate this effectively! I love Kate Raworth’s work but so many clients just don’t get nor care for the doughnut.”
Brogan MacDonald via LinkedIn
Why the Women into Construction closure reflects badly on the industry
Two readers shared their sadness and disappointment at the closure of Women into Construction (WiC) after 16 years of supporting female talent accessing the industry.
“It’s always so hard to convince the same organisations who ‘champion’ the sector and at the same time complain they can’t recruit to part with an investment that secures future talent.
“There are some really good organisations out there, doing some good work, but it’s still often down to the ‘commit if we win the bid’ or ‘it’s what we’ve always done’ approach. The question is always ‘what’s the cost?’ instead of ‘what’s the value?’
“A good friend of mine who works at the top level in social value (where the funding for such ‘initiatives’ usually lies) once commented that HR and corporate social responsibility never talk to each other. I find this staggering.
“Access to home-grown talent should be an absolute priority. WiC and our own organisation [Class of Your Own] provide an exciting funnel directly into the most in-demand vacancies.
“Want apprentices? Sign up. Want more women? Sign up. Want more respect? Sign up. Want to change perceptions? Sign up. Want to stop spending money on the same reports year on year that tell us what we already know? Sign up.
“I do hope that the whole industry – driven by the great leaders – will come together and stop treating not-for-profits as ‘nice to haves’. We provide a critical service to the seriously depleted construction workforce.”
Alison Watson MBE
“I was part of the inclusion consultations leading up to 2012 and was pleased there was positive support and recruitment for women to be part of the construction contracts. The formation of WiC and the ongoing work was part of what turned out to be a very limited legacy.
“I am deeply saddened and disappointed that this groundbreaking organisation is having to close. Tessa makes an excellent point when citing the potential support from within the industry, but also surely the new government should find a way to encourage this?”
Julie Newman
