Great Britain: a new workers’ conditions charter aims to be the precursor for a construction industry benchmark

Construction firms that want to build in Liverpool will have to agree a six-point charter to ensure that workers receive the minimum employment conditions. The charter, which has been drawn up by the three construction unions (UCATT, UNITE and the GMB) and Liverpool City Council is designed to stamp out a number of ‘notorious’ industry practices, such as bogus self-employment schemes, rate undercutting, blacklisting and lack of adequate facilities, on any construction site within the city limits. It will be publicly launched at a signing with the Mayor of Liverpool. Liverpool council, as with other councils, is the body responsible for granting permission to construct buildings.
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Charter’s principles. The charter has the following six points:

  • The employment of all construction operatives under the terms and conditions set out in the seven relevant national industry agreements
  • The promotion of the benefits of belonging to a recognised union;
  • The recognition of onsite shop stewards to achieve and promote good industrial relations;
  • Unions retain responsibility for appointing health & safety representatives;
  • The election of and support for workplace health and safety re
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