Laing O’Rourke has published its first-ever human capital report, alongside its annual review, in an effort to signal to the market how seriously it takes health and safety and workforce issues.

The report adds some detail to Laing O’Rourke’s investment in expansion. The total number of employees has risen 35% in 2005 to 23,704. This increase included a 38% increase in the number of women the company employs, which rose from 539 to 744.

The report added that, despite the general trend towards an ageing workforce, Laing O’Rourke has maintained a balance between employees under 40 and over 40.

The report added: “For most functions, the staff increases correspond to the overall growth of the company. The most significant changes from the previous year – in business development and design – illustrate Laing O’Rourke’s commitment to diversify its businesses and to become involved earlier and more completely in the total design-and-build process.”

Office-based design staff increased to 33 from 11 and business development staff increased to 156 from 91.

The report showed that Laing O’Rourke has spent more than £100,000 on a health screening programme for its staff, as well as £2000 for every employee on IT and more than £600,000 on communications.

Additionally, the contractor spent £3.6 m on training and development during 2005, with on-the-job training equating to £1125 per person.

Writing in the review, chairman and chief executive Ray O’Rourke said: “I am prepared to invest whatever is necessary to drive the safety agenda and ensure that everyone returns home safely. Failure to do so renders our company valueless.”

The report also revealed that, in 2004, 80% of staff received improved bonus payments as a result of the company’s appraisal and performance management system.

The average staff salary across the company for the year ending 2005 was £35,000 compared with £33,000 in 2004. In addition, private medical insurance was offered to all staff, at a cost to

the business of £1m per year. Seventy-five per cent of the staff have taken advantage of this insurance.

Fifty-seven per cent of staff contributed to the group’s staff pension benefit plan with Laing O’Rourke contributing nearly £8m to staff personal pensions.