Willmott Dixon among top employers for gender equality

Willmott Dixon has been listed in The Times Top 50 Employers for Gender Equality 2024 guide.

The contractor joins the ranks of companies including AECOM, PwC, and Deutsche Bank for taking initiatives to make gender equality a priority in the workplace.

Applicants are assessed on the work they do to remove gender inequalities at work, including flexible working, family-friendly policies, pay, reward, and progression.

Willmott Dixon has set itself the challenge to reach gender parity across all management levels by 2030.

The company has also established a Women’s Leadership Programme as well as focusing on inclusive work environments on construction sites including changing rooms, tailored workwear for women and period dignity facilities.

The stats: Women make up 32 per cent of Willmott Dixon’s workforce, increasing from 24 per cent in 2018.

Last year, 53 per cent of its management trainee intake were women, taking the number of women trainees to 46 per cent, compared to 27 per cent in 2018. 

According to the contractor, 52 per cent of women who completed the programme progressed their career in a different role or were promoted since the launch of the Women’s Leadership Programme in 2021.

The company aims for more than 100 women to undertake this programme by 2030.

Graham Dundas, chief executive of Willmott Dixon, said: “ Enhancing diversity at Willmott Dixon is a long-held company value. 

“Our future growth and success depend on recruiting the very best people from a wide pool of talent across all sections of society.” 

Charlotte Woodworth, gender equality director at Business in the Community, said: “While the employers who made the list are doing great work prioritising gender equality, there is still more work to do.

“From addressing pay disparities to better supporting those with caring responsibilities, many employees, women among them, still face barriers to finding employment and progressing in their careers.” 

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