The Considerate Constructors Scheme has released an updated monitors’ checklist, aimed at tackling the problem of illegal workers on site.
The checklist is the key method by which the Scheme’s monitors assess and score sites, rating companies and suppliers’ performance against the Scheme’s Code of Considerate Practice.
The 2017 checklist has undergone minor changes in all five sections, however a number of specific new questions have been included to try to ensure the legitimacy of the workforce on site.
Two new questions included are:
- Are there processes in place to ensure subcontractors (and subsequent subcontractors) are conducting right to work checks?
- Are physical spot checks conducted to ensure minimum standards of right to work checks are taking place within the supply chain
The new questions are a result of wide-ranging feedback received during the year from scheme monitors, associate members and other contractors and clients asking for more focus on the subject of illegal workers.
Construction companies in general have been hit with more site raids from the Home Office since the launch of Operation Magnify in October 2015. The UK-wide enforcement campaign is aimed at clamping down on firms employing and exploiting illegal migrant workers.
Commenting on the new checklist, Edward Hardy, chief executive of the Scheme, said: “With over 18,000 monitoring visits to sites, companies and suppliers every year, the Scheme is the central part of instigating change to help raise standards and improve the image of the construction industry.
“The Scheme’s monitoring checklists are the backbone to effecting this change, and we are pleased to be introducing greater focus on helping to address the critical issues of tackling illegal working in construction.”
