A call to encourage direct employment throughout the construction supply chain has been given a qualified welcome by the JIB.
In its 2018 strategy, the Construction Leadership Council (CLC) Skills Workstream has set a specific action to ‘encourage action to reduce the number of workers not in direct employment, especially false self-employment which is a clear barrier to employers investing in training. Industry needs to collaborate to encourage all public and private sector clients to consistently mandate direct hire practices in their supply chain.’
The CLC draws together business leaders from across the construction sector to drive industry improvement. Within its skills strategy is the objective to develop the quality and capacity of skills required to support the sector, including its productivity and modernisation aspirations.
Promotion of direct employment is a cornerstone of the JIB’s work and the organisation works to improve employment standards for its members and their employees. Members of the JIB are committed to industry-recognised terms and conditions for their electrical workforce and also provide a comprehensive package of employee benefits via the JIB benefits scheme.
“Whilst the statement by the Construction Leadership Council Skills Workstream is welcome, it is simply warm words at this stage. What we need is evidence of action, for example the inclusion of direct employment in tender invitations and contracts. That will make a difference and every JIB member will welcome the opportunity to tender for electrical work on a level playing field,” said Steve Brawley, JIB chief executive.
“The same point applies to false self-employment, main contractors and clients should not accept false self-employment on their projects. We will be very happy to work with any client or main contractor who takes this aspiration seriously and wants to make a difference.”
