Two thirds of workers on MCG sites fully qualified

Two thirds of workers on sites where a member of the Major Contractors Group (MCG) is the main contractor now hold Construction Skills Certification Cards (CSCS) or their equivalent.

That is the conclusion of an audit carried out by the MCG to assess the impact of the industry's drive towards a fully qualified workforce, the results of which are published today (Friday).  

While the 66% takes into account sub contractors, the average figure for directly employed workers who demonstrated the appropriate skills was significantly higher at 82%. The figure for indirectly employed qualified workers on MCG members sites was 57%.

MCG chairman Dermot Gleeson said the results are "a tremendous achievement" in a relatively short period of time, not only on MCG members' sites but throughout the industry. Over 600,000 workers now hold CSCS or equivalent accepted cards.

He added: "The recent announcement that recommended Government clients should take into account the percentage of qualified workers when awarding tenders and, importantly, conduct audits during execution of the contract, is very encouraging, as is the support of private sector clients such as Asda and Stanhope."

The campaign to establish a fully qualified workforce is one of the five key components for improving safety which form the MCG Health and Safety Strategy launched in February 2001.

Brian May chairman of the MCG's health and safety working group said: "The individual components of our policy, from site specific inductions to workforce consultation, and the pioneering of an occupational health strategy, represent a co-ordinated drive aimed at ensuring the well-being of all those who work in our industry."