UCATT welcomes CSCS reform following card “abuse”

Safety & Health Practitioner

The Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS) is set for reform in 2014.

 

From July 2014, those applying for, or renewing, the entry-level green card will be required to complete a level 1 vocational qualification course in health and safety construction.

 

The construction union UCATT have welcomed the move. Stephen Murphy, General Secretary at the union said: “We welcome the CSCS reform of the green card scheme. This will help to ensure that workers have the right card for the job. This will be a major step forward in achieving a 100 per cent qualified workforce.”

 

The reforms have become necessary following the ‘abuse’ of the cards, with many employees encouraging workers to apply, simply to give them access to a site, and then paying them at a lower rate, due to the fact they only accredited to the green card level. 

 

Mr Murphy added: “Ensuring that workers are fully competent and have the right card for the work they are undertaking is a major factor in improving construction safety.”