Mark Rayfield, chief executive of Jewson, says that, with an estimated 1.65m people in the UK currently unemployed, it seems absurd that one of the construction industry’s biggest challenges is the lack of skilled men and women available to make up trade workforces.

While there are a number of social barriers that make it difficult to kick-start a career, the breadth of opportunities available in the construction industry present many prospects of employment for those out of work.

For the long-term unemployed, ex-offenders and other less advantaged groups in our local communities, getting a job can be even harder. That’s why Jewson is supporting See Potential, a government initiative set up to change lives through employment and help people get into work.

The scheme, launched by the Department for Work and Pensions, encourages companies to tap into the skills of these less advantaged groups for a mutually beneficial way of working. Research carried out by Business in the Community suggests there is a direct, positive financial impact to this kind of open recruitment, and 90% of inclusive employers surveyed also saw an improvement in employee engagement and performance.

The Construction Industry Training Board has also pledged its support for the See Potential scheme, alongside big names like Sir Richard Branson and Simon Cowell. Mr Rayfield said Jewson wants to encourage suppliers and customers to get involved with the scheme and reap the benefits that being an inclusive business can offer.