Fairhurst Reviews

3.3

53% would recommend to a friend

(96 total reviews)

Robert B McCracken

40% approve of CEO

36% positive business outlook

Fairhurst has an employee rating of 3.3 out of 5 stars, based on 96 company reviews on Glassdoor which indicates that most employees have a good working experience there. The Fairhurst employee rating is in line with the average (within 1 standard deviation) for employers within the Construction, repair and maintenance industry (3.7 stars).

Reviews by job title

96 reviews
1.0
17 Dec 2017

Not a place for Women

Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

They’re good at the basics.

Cons

The Partner (London Office) talks down to everyone and can really go at it with some people, I’d heard he upset a few of the girls in the office who cry. Turns out, he knows this and brags about it over works drinks to people outside of the firm. Not somewhere I would recommend to anyone thinking of joining.

1.0
2 Aug 2025
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

You’re thrown in at the deep end, which can lead to quick, practical learning—provided you’re not assigned repetitive tasks. The role gives you exposure to a wide range of external companies and projects, which may help build awareness of the industry landscape. Some colleagues were friendly and approachable, making parts of the day-to-day more bearable.

Cons

My experience at this company was defined by a lack of support, poor management, and an overall disregard for employee wellbeing and development. I was repeatedly assigned the same tasks without opportunity for progression, despite proactively asking for training that was clearly relevant to the role. I was told it wasn’t necessary—a frustrating response that stunted any chance of growth. Management consistently lacked availability and offered little guidance or oversight, unless it was to micromanage timesheets down to the minute. Deadlines were often unrealistic, and time was never respected: arriving early, staying late, and attending meetings over your lunch break were all quietly expected but never compensated. Taking your break afterward or charging the time wasn’t allowed—it was framed as “experience” or “development,” though nothing meaningful came of it. There was a culture of favoritism, where a small number of individuals received opportunities and leniency while others were overlooked. Feedback, when given, was usually after mistakes were made—not as part of any supportive structure. The workload itself was inconsistent, entirely dependent on what jobs came in, leaving little room for skill-building or proper planning. PPE was another major concern. Equipment provided was often poor-fitting and ineffective. On one occasion, I was asked to attend a site with a high risk of asbestos exposure and was told they had no PPE available. The only instruction? “Stand upwind.” That, in itself, sums up the approach to health and safety. There is no on-site parking. Employees are expected to park at a Tesco across the road, which can be inconvenient and isn’t officially arranged. Turnover was extremely high, and unfortunately, I understand why. The experience taught me resilience and self-reliance—but not through any effort of the company. I cannot recommend this employer to anyone seeking fair treatment, structured growth, or even basic respect for their time and safety.

1.0
1 Oct 2019
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

Skilled, approachable employees that could be working under far better conditions and earning a larger salary if they left.

Cons

- Chastised and ridiculed in front of office by Partner on daily basis - Informed I had an attitude problem despite working many hours unpaid overtime every week - informed I had a learning problem despite a plethora of notes taken and professional development made that evidences otherwise, with job speed constantly increasing each project - constant tense and toxic environment under the partners - constantly made to feel stupid - not doing unpaid overtime warned as being sackable - below average pay - partners notoriously toxic within Aberdeen civil engineering community. Agents I've spoken to knew who I was speaking of by name without me mentioning partners as culprits. Apparently other Aberdeen consultancies are chalk full of ex fairhurst employees - company as a whole notoriously toxic, as all online research shows e.g glassdoor - threatened with not receiving my 1 weeks notice pay for speaking up for myself when sacked - had a panic attack one morning as a result of work and couldn't make it in, was informed by a partner that if it were up to them I'd have been sacked for that - only regret is not sticking up for myself in fear of getting fired, will be a valuable lesson for my career.

Viewing 1 - 3 of 96 Reviews

Glassdoor has 107 Fairhurst reviews submitted anonymously by Fairhurst employees. Read employee reviews and ratings on Glassdoor to decide if Fairhurst is right for you.