UCATT calls for best practice on construction skills
Construction union UCATT has demanded stricter controls and scrutiny of 'skills cards' for workers on public sector projects in Scotland to avoid inexperienced workers being hired on dangerous jobs. The union was speaking out after the Scottish government said it would require all construction workers to have a Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS) skills card when working on public sector projects. The new policy, which was proposed by the Scottish Building Federation, was announced on 20 December 2012, following a review of procurement in construction. Deputy first minister Nicola Sturgeon said: 'Adopting schemes like CSCS can make a significant difference to efficient working and health and safety on construction sites. This is particularly important given the significant challenges the construction industry faces in the current economic climate. I would urge other parts of the public sector to adopt the same policy.' Giving the move a qualified welcome, UCATT regional secretary Harry Frew said: 'We support the statement from the Scottish government that these cards can make a significant difference to health and safety - but it must be the appropriate card for the work being undertaken. Too often employers will sign workers up to the easiest available card rather than ensuring that they have the skills and qualifications for the job. Inexperienced operatives being allowed access to construction sites only increases the risk of fatalities and serious injuries.' UCATT said the CSCS scheme requires workers to sit a touchscreen test. The Scottish Construction Operatives Registration Executive (SCORE) skills card, however, requires workers sit a one-day induction followed by a written test. UCATT said it was also concerned that employers will refuse to fund worker training for the higher skills card so they can justify a lower wage rate. Scotland's public sector spends more than £2 billion a year on construction-related contracts.
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