Men and women forced to share toilets on building sites, survey finds

Survey finds that 10 per cent of sites also did not supply toilet paper

(iStock)

Men and women are having to share toilet and washing facilities on building sites across the country, the trade union Unite has claimed.

A survey of 3,500 of its members has found that one in five building sites did not have separate facilities.

It also revealed that 10 per cent of sites did supply toilet paper and half did not have showers.

Of the building sites that did have showers, a large portion were found to not offer separate areas for women.

Unite assistant general secretary Gail Cartmail said: “Providing toilets and washing facilities is not a luxury – they are a basic human right.

“This survey must act as a wake-up call to the construction industry. In the 21st century there is no excuse for any workplace not to provide clean and decent welfare facilities.

“Companies that fail to provide decent welfare facilities can and should be prosecuted and this is an area where Unite is working with the Health and Safety Executive to ensure standards are improved.

“Where Unite is organised on a site we will always ensure that decent welfare facilities are provided and will ensure our members take the necessary measures to ensure they are in place.”

Comments from Unite members included noting that there were only 30 toilets for 2,500 members of staff and that the toilets often “smell” and the showers were “mouldy.”