RETENTION OF SKILLS AND CONDITIONS IN THE CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY

That this House recognises the need to retain skilled workers in the construction industry; notes with concern that several major employers in the construction industry are considering withdrawing from national agreements on required skills and training in plumbing, heating and electrical works; further notes with concern that eight major employers within the industry are attempting to force skilled craftsmen onto new contracts, with reduced terms and conditions of employment; believes that these contracts will reduce training requirements with a potentially disastrous effect on site/project health and safety; further notes with alarm that the withdrawal from national agreements on required skills could see qualification requirements go down from NVQ Level 3 to NVQ Level 2; further believes this would allow employers to pay workers less on the grounds that they are less skilled; and calls on the Government to hold urgent talks with construction industry stakeholders to discuss the retention of skills in the sector.