Ucatt calls for tighter line on skills cards hiring
Friday 04 January 2013
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EmailConstruction union Ucatt demanded stricter controls and scrutiny of "skills cards" for workers on public sector projects in Scotland today to avoid inexperienced workers being hired on dangerous jobs.
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."
The Construction Safety Certification Scheme, one of the main skills card schemes used in the Scottish construction industry, requires workers to sit a touchscreen test.
By contrast the Scottish Construction Operatives Registration Executive skills card workers must sit a one-day induction followed by a written test.
The union also believes employers may refuse to fund and train workers for a higher skills card in order to justify paying less.
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