Petition · Department for Work and Pensions

New protections and support for construction workers

Closed 45 signatures

What the petition asks

We urge the Government to limit the hours of work on all construction sites (with limited exceptions) to 8 hours per day, increase the minimum wage for construction workers so they don't lose out, and fund more apprenticeships to encourage young people to enter trades.
Many UK construction workers commit suicide each year. We think that long hours, poor working conditions and a lack of public respect contribute to this. We believe reducing construction hours can improve workers' work-life balance, leading to happier and more efficient projects. We believe the cost will be passed to clients and managed in preconstruction. We think it could also reduce unnecessary/vanity works, saving money and carbon emissions. Trades are vital and we must protect them.

Timeline

4 Aug 2025 Petition opened for signatures
4 Feb 2026 Closed to new signatures

Key facts

Signatures 45
Status Closed
Department Department for Work and Pensions
Opened 4 Aug 2025
Closed 4 Feb 2026

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Source: the official petition page. Last checked 20 Aug 2026.