New labourer cards issued by the Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS) will only be valid for two years from tomorrow (1 February).
Extensions beyond the period will also require people to send in proof they are actually working in the role, amid concerns labourer cards are issued to those who should be on other schemes.
CSCS director of communications Alan O’Neile told Construction News: “Labourer cards should only be issued to those working in genuine labouring occupations, not those working in skilled roles. Yet, feedback from industry highlights the labourer card is used by some as an easy option to get on site.”
He added that the change also addresses an over-supply issue, with estimates for the number of labourers needed being outstripped by the amount of cards in circulation.
Some 85 per cent of labourers do not renew their card, according to the CSCS.
“By reducing the labourer card’s initial validity to two years, we can better track the actual number of active labourers in the sector,” O’Neile said.
He added that the “requirement for proof of working in a labouring role upon renewal will ensure the card is only issued to genuine labourers and not used by those working in skilled roles looking for an easy route to gain site access”.
The Construction Industry Training Board (CITB) Health, Safety and Environment Test will have its validity extended to three years so workers who want to continue in labouring work can use it to provide evidence of their role.
Meanwhile, the process for trainees who have prior qualifications is being simplified, according to the skills body.
Anyone that has achieved an NVQ/SVQ approved Level 2 or above occupation-related non‐competence qualification will be eligible for a two‐year trainee card.
For the first time these qualifications do not meet the industry’s threshold for eligibility for a skilled worker card.
O’Neill said: “The system can be off-putting to potential new entrants, and many don’t make the transition from college into the industry. For those who do stay in construction they are restricted to applying for the labourer card, which limits opportunities for further training.”
The change is also effective as of tomorrow (1 February).
The moves are part of a host of reforms to skills cards in recent years, which the CSCS says is in line with the requirements of the Building Safety Act for workers to hold appropriate qualifications.
At the end of 2024, Industry Accreditation (IA) cards were withdrawn, with those holding the ‘grandfather rights’ card encouraged to obtain an alternative qualification-based card.
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Ian Weinfass