ROOFERS have the fifth-biggest disparity between expected and actual female workers in the UK, new research has revealed.

A new study found there should be 6,348 female roofers in the UK, but the actual figure is just 1,724 – a difference of 4,624.

Despite female representation reaching a record high of 15.8% in construction, the roofing sector has the fifth-lowest representation of women in construction roles in the UK, with only 4.29%.

Shortfall of Female Roofers

Based on this research, there should be an estimated 118,460 women in the top ten trade roles, but the actual figure in the UK is just 19,560, a massive shortage of 98,900.

The job role with the biggest disparity is electricians, with a deficit of 29,448 women (3,574 compared to an expected 33,022), followed by plumbers (26,158 deficit), and then carpenters and joiners (13,191 deficit).

After carpenters and joiners, these jobs have the second and third-lowest percentage representation of women in construction, with just 1.7% of electricians and 2% of plumbers.

The three jobs with the smallest deficit of female workers are glaziers (1,370), plasterers (1,871), and roles in floor and wall covering (2,493), while painters and decorators have the biggest percentage of female tradespeople (5.1%).

The full results of the metals4U research are as follows:

Position
Role
Expected female employees
Actual female employees
Difference

1.
Electrician
33,022
3,574
-29,448

2.
Plumber
29,862
3,704
-26,158

3.
Carpenter/joiner
14,139
949
-13,191

4.
Bricklayer
15,519
4,214
-11,305

5.
Roofer
6,348
1,724
-4,624

6.
Painter
6,322
2,041
-4,281

7.
Scaffolder
5,709
1,550
-4,159

8.
Floor & wall covering
3,293
800
-2,493

9.
Plasterer
2,471
601
-1,871

10.
Glazier
1,774
404
-1,370

Paul McFadyen, Chairman of metals4U commented, “It’s fantastic to see women represented in construction at the highest level in recorded history, but this clearly hasn’t filtered down to many of the top trades yet.

“While the industry has taken significant steps forward and made considerable progress in gender equality, there is still some way to go to improve female representation across all roles.”

>> Read more of the latest roofing news

The post UK Records Shortfall of Over 4000 Female Roofers appeared first on Roofing Today.