Marvin OnumonuSkanska and other major contractors including Kier Construction, Lendlease Development, Keltbray and Careys have backed the launch of ‘Workforce Assured’, a new industry accreditation for construction workforce standards.
The scheme was set up by over 175 members to improve how companies recruit, manage and pay staff, especially agency and self-employed workers.
Workforce Assured is aimed at bringing a consistent approach to workforce management in a sector where 783,000 workers are self-employed or supplied via agencies.
The accreditation involves an independent audit of how firms handle recruitment, employment terms, pay, site conditions and the way wages are managed.
Companies that pass the Workforce Assured audit show they meet strict checks for ethical employment, lowering risks in the labour supply chain and reducing exploitation.
Dale Turner, director of procurement & supply chain at Skanska UK, said: “At Skanska, we understand the vital importance of ensuring ethical and compliant employment throughout our supply chain.
“Recognising the need to go beyond the surface to verify how workers are onboarded and employed, we are proud to be among the founding members of Workforce Assured.
“By implementing this standard across relevant trades, we reaffirm our commitment to our customers and society, demonstrating that construction upholds the highest standards of integrity and responsibility.”
The scheme targets key issues in construction like skills shortages, risks of modern slavery, and the need to follow corporate criminal offence rules on tax evasion, as well as workforce wellbeing and productivity.
Workforce Assured aims to help contractors and supply chains avoid these problems by checking for fair recruitment, proper engagement and transparent pay.
A spokesperson for the group of contractors said: “This is about doing the right thing for our workforce and our industry.
“Workforce Assured will drive consistent best practice on issues like fair pay, labour exploitation and worker welfare – areas that, if left unchecked, hurt our people and our performance.”
Workforce Assured works alongside the common assessment standard (CAS), which checks suppliers for safety, quality and financial matters, but does not cover workforce issues in depth.
Workforce Assured fills that gap by focusing on staff management and employment standards.
The audit checks recruitment and employment terms, making sure workers are recruited legally, with right-to-work checks and lawful contracts.
It also looks at pay, ensuring workers get paid on time and at least minimum wage, with no hidden deductions.
Other checks include support for health and wellbeing, training, and ways for workers to raise grievances.
There is also scrutiny of anti-slavery measures and compliance with UK employment and tax laws.
Companies with Workforce Assured certification show they treat workers fairly and legally.
This can improve staff retention, boost employer reputation and give clients and investors more confidence that projects are run responsibly.
Leaders of the scheme said raising standards will help make construction more appealing as a career, which could help tackle skills shortages.
The spokesperson added: “Delivering transparency and fair practices within the labour supply chain will make the construction sector a more appealing place to start a career.”
