The big recruitment push will see staff numbers swell by around 10% across the UK.

To support the large-scale talent hunt and open its doors to a more diverse pool of people, the contractor is offering extended maternity, paternity and shared parental leave.

It also is offering paid leave to anyone who experiences pregnancy loss and new measures to support those going through the menopause.

In the post-pandemic bounce back, the roles it has on offer are more varied than ever before. Vacancies range from technology engineers, to sustainability co-ordinators, general operatives, business analysts and team leaders, as well as positions in finance, IT and human resources.

To help break down barriers to entry Kier is offering graduate, apprenticeship and Kickstart opportunities as part of the recruitment push.

It is also extending programmes such as Making Ground, which supports ex-offenders to find meaningful and sustainable employment.

Kier is also shifting towards more agile working, offering it wherever possible, including on a number of its construction sites following a successful pilot with the social consultancy, TimeWise.

Helen Redfern, group HR director at Kier, said: “Here at Kier, we have a strong pipeline of work, delivering some of the largest infrastructure projects in the UK and we are also playing a critical role in transforming the construction industry. It’s an exciting time to join and through this large-scale recruitment drive we hope to attract a new and diverse range of talent.

“I am committed to breaking down barriers within the construction industry to ensure we are offering opportunities to people from all locations, backgrounds and sectors to bring in new skills, an inclusive approach and diversity of thought as we spearhead change to deliver our projects faster, safer and greener than ever before.”