New research has revealed men and woman are forced to share a toilet on nearly one in five sites across the UK.

A survey of more than 3,500 Unite members states 18% of respondents' workplaces did not have adequate toilet facilities, while 10% of sites did not supply toilet paper. Overall, one in five sites (17%) did not have separate toilet facilities for women workers.

Some of the survey comments from respondents included;

• There are 30 toilets for 2,500 men you have to queue to use them

• We need more toilets and cleaner toilets with better privacy the toilets one have half doors

• More toilets at workface not a 10-15 minute walk away

• Our shower blocks and toilets are in serious need of updating, the toilets smell and the showers are mouldy


In addition, 51% said their workplace did not have any showers, and even with showers provided 16% said there were no separate showers for women.

Cleanliness is also an issue with showers and toilets. 3% of cases said that showers and toilets were never cleaned, while 8% said they were only cleaned weekly.

Elsewhere, the supply of water on sites was also a major concern; 17% did not have drinking water, 14% did not supply cold water and 22% of sites did not provide hot water.

The cleanliness of canteen/mess facilities was also raised as a concern, with 4% of cases stating they were never cleaned and 6% stating these facilities were only cleaned on a weekly basis.

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," she said.

"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."

(LM)