letters . . . letters . . . letters . . . letters . . . letters . . . - Template is not flawed

Re: Template 'seriously flawed,' Contract Journal, 30 June, p3



Sir,

I was surprised to read Allan Black's negative views of Template as he has signed up to the scheme on behalf of the GMB union, along with all the other industry bodies.

Template is a straightforward, flexible administration system that allows employers to fully comply with industry Working Rules Agreements and Working Time Regulations. We have been developing the system since last autumn, when the Working Time Regulations were introduced. This has been done in full consultation with the unions - TGWU, UCATT, GMB - and the Construction Confederation. We also talked to a number of contractors.

In March, we announced the launch of Template to the industry, after it had been given full board approval.

All members of our board are aware of the benefits of Template and fully support its introduction on Monday 2 August. We have been issuing regular statements to employer members since March and will be sending them joining instructions this month (July). In August, we will be telling our operative members about the scheme.



Bob Veal

General manager

B&CE Benefit Schemes

West Sussex