Report to improve Scottish construction performance unveiled

A new report outining proposals to improve the performance of Scotland's construction industry have been unveiled today (Wednesday) by the Scottish Executive.

Put together by the Modernising Construction Strategic Group's (MCSG), which was set up by the Executive and included representatives of the industry, clients, and government, the report is the first such strategy ever produced for the industry in Scotland.

Key recommendations in the paper include the establishment of a Construction and Innovation Excellence Forum, plans to improve health and safety, and work to develop training in the sector.

Deputy enterprise minister Lewis Macdonald said: "The £10bn Scottish construction industry is a key feature of the economy. Construction also provides much of Scotland's essential infrastructure.

"It is vital to improve the sector's health and safety record. Recommendations which address this are significant not only to reduce fatalities, injuries and ill-health but to attract people to the industry in future.

"The Executive is committed to lifelong learning, and good training is essential to the future of the industry. It is essential that training and education on offer are more industry driven," he said.