The chief executive of Barratt has said the firm must employ more women and it was right the housebuilder was held to account for the diversity of its board by shareholders.

David Thomas, writing exclusively for Housing Today, said: “If the building industry is going to grow and play its part in supporting the economy, then it has to have a more diverse workforce.

“Put simply, we know we want the best talent to join our industry and that talent is diverse, coming from all backgrounds and demographics.