Tag Archive for: careers

Did you know that construction workers are nearly four times more likely to die by suicide than the average person in the UK? It’s a shocking statistic, and one that highlights just how critical it is to address mental health in the industry.

April marks National Stress Awareness Month, a time to reflect on how stress affects our day-to-day lives and in construction, the impact is often greater than most realise. Long hours, tight deadlines, physical strain, and high-pressure environments can all take a toll on workers’ mental well-being.

At FBR Construction Recruitment, we believe in supporting not just careers, but the people behind them. That’s why our team includes professionals like Cameron Whitley, who is certified as a Mental Health First Aider (Level 3). In recognition of Stress Awareness Month, we sat down with Cameron to talk about mental health in construction and how we can all play a part in supporting well-being across the industry.

Why do you think mental health is a big issue in the construction industry?

“Mental Health is an ongoing issue and it will be until the stigma of others talking breaks down. Although both men and women suffer, it is predominantly led by males. A staggering statistic is that poor mental health within the construction industry accounts for over 200 suicides per year. Astronomical numbers. It is a big issue because we need to try and find ways of preventing this from happening where possible.”

With construction still being a male-dominated industry, there can often be a stigma around opening up. Cameron shared how the pressures of the job and certain attitudes can lead many to suffer in silence.

Can you tell us a bit about your Mental Health First Aider Level 3 certification?

“So, I am Mental Health First Aider – trained at Level 3. I sat the course which took a week and it really helped me evolve not just as a person, but as a manager too. It has helped me identify certain triggers, signs of warning, and given me the chance to help others both in the industry and personally too. So, for FBR if any of my colleagues are struggling or need advice, they know I am the appointed person for mental health.”

This certification means Cameron is trained to recognise the signs of mental health issues and provide initial support. He can then suggest ways to help as well as useful resources.

How has this training helped you support candidates and clients?

“It has helped me become more understanding and supportive. It has helped me navigate around experiences and give somebody a shoulder. It gives them the freedom to express themselves and be heard which is the vital point. I have helped a couple of candidates and given them advice. My colleagues at FBR have spoken to me privately and I’ve been able to make them feel supported. It’s important to remember though that I am not a professional, so when things have got to the next level of supporter, I have pointed them in the right direction to seek that help. They have thanked me and in return has made a difference to people’s lives within this industry.”

Whether it’s checking in with a stressed-out candidate or supporting a fellow colleague, Cameron’s training helps create a safer, more open environment for everyone involved.

What are some signs that someone in the workplace might be struggling?

“Signs can be very apparent or sometimes they are things you have to consider before getting to a breaking point. So obvious stress signals could be looking worried, constant visits to a doctor, snapping, swearing, acting out of character, panic attacks etc. Worrying about bills, family life, work, these are all things we need to be mindful of before they get to breaking point. It has real life stresses, worry of job loss, too much travelling, not enough sleep, too much work demand, not enough breaks, not enough support, they need more money, also then concentration can cause mistakes, illness, serious work accidents. It all plays a part and it can be too much where they feel they have no escape.”

Spotting the signs early is key. From changes in behaviour to withdrawal from colleagues or sudden drops in performance, there are subtle indicators that someone might need help.

What are some practical steps companies can take to improve mental well-being on site?

“Practical steps could be to introduce coffee or breakfast meetings where they all stop and be together, have 1 to 1 time dedicated to talk to somebody on site if they are struggling, open talks or presentations on mental health and where they can find support, perhaps have leaflets or signs around the site/work place with contact numbers of where to get help. Train members of the team who want to do it and ensure their colleagues know who the appointed mental health first aiders are. Sometimes, just some awareness and creativity to give them an open space to talk will help in many ways.”

Small changes, like fostering open communication, offering flexible working options, or training site leads in basic mental health awareness can make a big difference.

What resources or support networks would you recommend for construction workers who need help?

“I would suggest the following – reaching out to your own company dedicated first aider if there is one, or contacting your GP for support. There are also talking therapies pout there via NHS to register, and active companies who advocate this such as the Samaritans, CALM, Mind, SOS, 111 for examples”

There are great organisations out there offering free, confidential support. From industry-specific charities like Mates in Mind and Lighthouse Club, to general resources like Mind and Samaritans, help is always available.

Mental health is just as important as physical safety on-site. As a recruitment company deeply embedded in the industry, we’re committed to raising awareness, reducing stigma, and encouraging healthier workplaces.

If you’re an employer looking to build a more supportive team culture or a candidate who needs someone to talk to our door is always open.

Experts in Construction Recruitment – Matching Talent with Opportunity Across the Industry.

At FBR Construction Recruitment, we connect skilled tradespeople, labourers, and plant operators with leading construction companies across the South East, Home Counties, and South Coast. From residential builds to large-scale civil engineering and M&E projects, we supply the people who keep sites moving.

Our reach span’s key locations including Chichester, Portsmouth, Guildford, Poole, Bournemouth, Winchester, Basingstoke, Cardiff, Bristol, Devon, Exeter, Crawley, Oxford, and beyond.

Whether you’re managing a site or looking for your next role, we’re here to make the process fast, straightforward, and effective.

Let FBR take the hassle out of hiring, or help you take the next step in your construction career.

FBR Construction Recruitment – Your Trusted Partner for Skilled Trades, Labour, and Plant Operators, Serving Residential Developers, Main Contractors, Civil Engineering, and M&E Sectors.

For reliable construction staffing solutions, contact FBR Construction Recruitment today.

At FBR, we believe in more than just building construction careers; we believe in building communities and making a positive impact in the world around us. As part of our commitment to foster a culture of giving within our organisation, we are delighted to announce Abby’s Heroes as our Charity of the Year for 2024.

Abbys Heroes: A Beacon of hope for Children Battling Cancer:
Abbys Heroes originated in honour of a courageous young girl called Abby, who valiantly battled cancer from 2013. During her fight, Abby went through extensive treatment including 23 rounds of chemotherapy, 50 days of radiotherapy, as well as stem cell harvesting and surgery. But in 2014, Abby was declared in remission and resumed her education and cherished hobbies.

Sadly, the cancer resurfaced towards the end of 2014. Faced with the limitations of current research, Abby’s medical team found themselves without further viable options and she tragically passed away on the 29th of May, 2016. In response to this profound loss, the charity was established to honour her memory and support children and families in similar situations.

Founded with a mission to provide financial, practical, and emotional assistance, they have become a beacon of hope for those navigating the difficult journey of paediatric cancer.

Why Abby’s Heroes?
Choosing Abby’s Heroes as our Charity of the Year aligns with our core values of compassion, community, and making a meaningful difference in people’s lives. Opting for this smaller, local charity allows us to make a meaningful impact on raising awareness for their cause, while also enabling us to directly observe and be part of the tangible positive changes taking place within our community.

We are excited to contribute to the incredible work Abby’s Heroes does on a daily basis.

Our Commitment:
Throughout the year, FBR will commit to supporting Abby’s Heroes through various initiatives, fundraisers and volunteer opportunities. We also aim to raise awareness around the crucial role that organisations like Abby’s Heroes play in providing support to families affected by childhood cancer.

How you can get involved:
We have set up a Just Giving page with a fundraising target for the year of £2,500, we invite employees, clients, candidates and the community to join us in supporting Abby’s Heroes. Whether it’s making a donation, participating in fundraising events, or volunteering your time, every contribution makes a significant impact on the lives of children battling cancer and their families.

Stay tuned for updates on our social media channels and company newsletters to learn more about the upcoming events and initiatives. A few of these being a fire walk, abseiling the Spinnaker Tower and the New Forest Marathon.

Together, we can build a better future for these brave children and their families.

Closing thoughts:
At FBR, we are excited about the opportunity to make a positive difference through our partnership with Abby’s Heroes. By working together, we can build a legacy of compassion, support, and hope for those facing the toughest battles.

Thank you for joining us on this meaningful journey as we construct not only careers but also a brighter and more compassionate future for our community.

Here is the Just Giving link if you wish to donate and help support this incredible cause:
https://www.justgiving.com/page/fbrrecruitment-abbysheroes

The ultimate goal of a recruitment agency is to match the right talent with the right job

How do recruitment agencies work? A guide to the different ways recruitment agencies work, including how to match the right candidate to the right job role, fees, etc.

Recruitment agencies work in various different ways. The ultimate goal of a recruitment agency is to match the right talent with the right job role and company. Call us corporate matchmakers if you will. 

The way that recruitment agencies make their money can be different, some recruiters work on a flat fee if the candidate they sourced was selected for a role. Other recruiters take a percentage pay based on the annual salary for the role. Recruitment agencies are running a business after all, however, there are good recruitment agencies and less than ideal ones. 

It is important to speak to the recruitment agency you are looking to work with, as a candidate as well as a business. If they are not transparent in how they make money or withhold information from you; that’s a huge red flag and you should consider your options.

Ultimately finding the right recruitment agent is key to ensuring that the right talent is in the right roles. Recruiting is expensive, even if you as a business decide to do it in house. That is why working with a recruitment agency can be beneficial as we work to align your needs as a business with the best talent on the market. 

Now we understand how the basics of a recruitment agency works, what does a recruitment agency do to make this happen?

Sourcing Candidates

One of the tasks that recruitment agencies need to do is source candidates. This can be done by outreaching online to those who have set public profiles as interested/open to work. 

Additionally, we have secure databases that we are able to use to help us match current job offerings with potential candidates. This allows us to match up both the candidate’s interests and requirements with the company looking to recruit.

Advertising Job Roles

Another thing recruitment agencies do is advertise roles they are recruiting for. Recruiting new talent is time consuming and takes a lot of effort for companies. Using a recruitment agent to advertise and pre-vet candidates helps those companies as well as proves beneficial for the candidates themselves. 

Supporting both Companies and Candidates

Recruitment agencies also work to support both companies looking to recruit as well as candidates. 

It is important for us as a recruitment company to align the company we are recruiting for with the right candidates and talent. We are there to answer any questions and support candidates with interview preparation and more. 

Our team are also experts in European recruitment and are able to assist with information relating to work permits and additional qualifications.

How to Work with Us as a Candidate

There are two ways in which you as a candidate can work with us. The first way is to view our jobs board and apply for any jobs relevant to your experience and skills. This is a great way if you are actively looking for new opportunities. 

The second way you can work with us is to contact us and submit your information and be included in our database. This way our recruiters will be able to access your information should an opportunity arise that you are suited for. 

Sourcing a Recruitment Agency as a Business

If you are a business looking to work with a recruitment agency there are some things you should consider. 

The first consideration is whether your recruitment agent is an expert in your industry. Not every recruitment agency understands the nuances of specific industries and this can make it difficult to ensure the right candidate is selected. At FBR, we are experienced in recruiting for construction roles and the construction industry as a whole. We understand the importance of specific qualifications such as CSCS and NEBOSH. 

Another important consideration is how they select candidates. Some recruitment agents select candidates by waiting for a submission. This can take time and if your recruiter isn’t working hard to find the right talent, are they the best recruiter for you? 

Ultimately working with a recruitment agency should be easy and stress free for both parties. At FBR, we work with both candidates and companies to ensure that the selection process is easy and accessible. We focus on the right candidates and talent for the right company. 

FBR – Office & Construction Recruitment Services in the South East of England

We are a recruitment agency serving the South East, Home Counties & South Coast of the UK, including Berkshire, Buckinghamshire, Dorset, Essex, Hampshire, Hertfordshire, Kent, Surrey, East & West Sussex and Middlesex. Whether you are a construction contractor, housing developer, business or job-seeking candidate, contact FBR Recruitment for all construction recruitment and office staff requirements — we’ll be very happy to help you.

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