London Mayor to boost diversity in infrastructure

The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, has set out plans to boost diversity in infrastructure, as a new report commissioned by City Hall revealed women, people from Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic backgrounds, disabled and LGBTQ+ Londoners are significantly underrepresented in the industry. Sustainable growth in London is dependent on diverse and inclusive workforce which reflects the city it serves – however many of London’s communities have long been under-represented in the industry. The report confirms women are under-represented in the industry compared to the economy as a whole: 21% versus 47% across all industries. Meanwhile, only 6% of those in the industry are from a BAME background, compared to an average of 15% across all industries. The report identifies a range of socio-economic factors that act as barriers to entering the infrastructure industry. They include the industry having a ‘white male’ image, which is reinforced by a lack of exposure to the sector through school career guidance.