With the construction sector still the most affected by suicides, the Federation of Master Builders (FMB) is taking this World Suicide Prevention Day (WSPD) to urge builders to reach out for help if they are struggling. The industry continues to face a disproportionate mental health crisis and the FMB is committed to breaking the silence, raising awareness, and encouraging people to ask for help.

The latest figures and reports from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) and other sources show that suicide rates in the construction industry are significantly higher than the national average. Construction workers in the UK are about three to four times more likely to die by suicide compared to the general population. In England and Wales, provisional ONS data indicated that 355 people working in skilled construction trades died by suicide in 2024. Over the past decade, it is estimated that 7,000 construction workers have taken their own lives.

The industry’s suicide rate stands at roughly 29.1 deaths per 100,000 workers, compared to a national average of around 9.6 per 100,000. This high rate is linked to long and irregular working hours, job insecurity, high-pressure environments, and a culture that often fails to encourage seeking mental health support.

The theme (WSPD) is dedicated to raising awareness about people taking their own lives: “Changing the Narrative on Suicide,” highlights the importance about having open conversations, removing the stigma, and encouraging support-seeking behaviours within communities and workplaces.

Brian Berry, CEO of the Federation of Master Builders, said:

“The pressures faced by those working in construction can be overwhelming, but no one should face their struggles alone. Every death is a tragedy and at the FMB we want every builder and industry professional to not be afraid of reaching out if they need help. There is strength in asking for support.”

The Lighthouse Charity is the FMB’s charity partner for 2025, providing vital mental health support tailored specifically to the construction industry. Offering confidential 24/7 helpline services, counselling, and wellbeing resources to support the mental wellbeing of builders, tradespeople, and construction workers across the UK.

Sarah Bolton, CEO of the Lighthouse Charity said:

“Our long standing partnership with FMB ensures that our message of support is amplified to its members and beyond, delivering a meaningful impact and extending the hand of support to those that may not know about the help available.

“On World Suicide Prevention Day, we want to remind everyone that reaching out for help is a sign of strength, not weakness. At Lighthouse, we provide a safe, confidential space where people can talk, find understanding, and seek help in a non-judgemental environment. No one should ever feel alone and we have a variety of ways that people can reach out for support. We are always here to listen and support our construction community through difficult times.”

The South West Region of the FMB hosts a charity golf day in support of the Lighthouse Club annually.

Organiser and FMB South West President, Alison Gay, concluded:

“Covid was a difficult wake up call for us- highlighting the importance of suicide and fostering positive mental wellbeing. In response, our directors undertook mental health training to better support our people. We are still committed to creating a workplace culture that is free from judgement and stigma- where open conversations are encouraged and support is always there.”