The collapse of Carillion has sent shock waves through the construction community and will have far reaching consequences for our industry and the economy.
Worrying statistics show an industry already at straining point in terms of mental health and this latest news can only exacerbate the problem. In a recent interview with the BBC, the TUC proposed there is a need need for a centrally co-ordinated taskforce to mitigate the economic and commercial impact of Carillion’s demise.
Bill Hill CEO of the Lighthouse Construction Industry Charity
However, when you review the key objectives of the taskforce it does not centre around the emotional and mental wellbeing of the individuals involved. There is nothing about how we can make an immediate difference to those people’s lives that have been turned upside down overnight.
The most important issue for our charity is to focus on the human factor and the effect that this news will have on every individual involved. Many employees of Carillion and businesses in its supply chain may be experiencing emotional turmoil or feel at a loss as to what to do or where to turn to for help.
Our Lighthouse Construction Industry Charity provides a 24/7 Construction Industry Helpline dedicated to supporting people in situations exactly like this.
Amid the noise of who is to blame and what could have been done differently, it is essential we provide a lifeline to everyone affected by the collapse of Carillion during this incredibly stressful and difficult time.
Our helpline specialises in supporting people through trauma and our specially trained call handlers can offer advice and support on a range of issues from welfare and mental wellbeing, legal, tax and debt matters and in cases of poverty, financial assistance.
We can offer access to professional counselling services to help people talk through their issues and confidentiality is key.
We also have the ability to signpost callers to other organisations that can offer specialist help, including a debt advice service and access to legal help for those requiring professional advice on a variety of legal matters.
I would urge anyone that has been affected by the collapse of Carillion and feels that they need to speak to someone to call our Construction Industry Helpline, which provides a 24/ 7 safety net for all construction workers and their families. We want to make sure that anyone affected by the collapse of Carillion knows where to turn to for advice and support.
Our helpline is open 24/7 on 0345 605 1956.
We are here for you.
Last year, the Construction Industry Helpline supported over 1500 construction families in crisis and over 400 families were granted around £705,000 of emergency financial help. Of the 1500 calls into the helpline, 1100 of these were given advice and support on issues ranging from stress and depression to legal, debt management and taxation advice.
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