Safety fear for workers at Spurs’ new home
16-hour days in race to complete stadium
TOTTENHAM have had assurances about the progress of their new £800million stadium at White Hart Lane after revelations which caused concern over workers’ rights and on-site overcrowding.
The workforce has swelled by more than 30 per cent to 3,800 in the last three months as the deadline looms.
Job adverts are offering work of up to 16-hour days and 80-hour weeks, according to a report in Construction News, and a subcontractor is promising financial incentives to work four 12-hour shifts in a row.
One unnamed former worker told the industry newspaper that the site had been ‘overcrowded’ and ‘an accident waiting to happen’ and Labour MP Justin Madders, the shadow minister for labour, called for an investigation into health and safety as a ‘matter of urgency’.
Spurs have struck an agreement with the Premier League and the Football Association to play their first home game, against Fulham, at Wembley Stadium where they played last season.
They plan to return to White Hart Lane to take on Liverpool on September 15, the first fixture after an international break.
‘Our stadium construction partners Mace are in control of the site and we expect them to uphold the welfare rights of all contractors,’ said a Tottenham spokesman.
‘They have assured us that they supply the appropriate level of welfare facilities, and reiterated that the health and safety of all those on site is of paramount importance.’
Mace told Construction News the ‘ramping up’ of activity was quite normal during the final stages of comparable projects such as the Olympic Park or Heathrow Terminal 5.
‘This will come as no surprise to anyone with experience in our industry,’ said a Mace spokesman. ‘The health, safety and wellbeing of everyone working on our projects is our highest priority. We are constantly working with our client, supply chain and operatives to identify areas where we need to do better.’
Meanwhile, Son Heung-min (below) has apologised for his forthcoming absence as he tries to win the Asian Cup with South Korea — and avoid national service in the process.
Son will be available for Spurs’ league opener at Newcastle but will then go to Indonesia to play for his country. ‘I feel very sorry to be leaving my team-mates,’ he said. ‘But I am playing for my country and that is also important.’ Spurs took on AC Milan early this morning. For a report on the match, go to MailOnline.