This year’s Build UK Smartcard audit makes very interesting reading. One of the biggest statistics is the fact that of the 1324 Labourer Cards audited, a whopping 60% were being held by people doing work other than labouring. Reasons given included: no card available for their occupation, currently undertaking the qualification for a Skilled Worker card and a Labourer Card was the easiest card for them to get. Call me a cynic, but I suspect the last reason was probably the one for the overwhelming majority of the 60%. It is a loophole that the CSCS are keenly aware of, but once again, it has to be the responsibility of the main contractor or sub-contractor to ensure that only those with the correct qualifications and certifications are
allowed on site. I keep bleating on about the importance of using the quality processes that we already have in place, and their role in creating demand for qualifications and driving the change in culture that we so desperately need. Qualifications are the cornerstone, CPD is the building blocks to quality. If CSCS was a legal requirement, installers would have to be formally trained. Companies would each pay a fair share for training and poaching of more qualified and experienced installers would dramatically reduce. It’s a no-brainer.
Please find a link to the Smartcard report here.
Source: Cathie Clarke, CEO