Government urged to act over building firm
THE Scottish Government is to remind a construction company “of their responsibilities” after we revealed how work is to restart on a major Glasgow development despite the coronavirus pandemic.
Unite the union has also called for “tougher measures” on construction sites following a Glasgow Times exclusive story.
We told in Saturday’s paper how the UK’s largest regeneration project outside London would start work again today.
Staff are being called back to work on the £250 million Sighthill Transformational Regeneration Area, which is mainly funded by Glasgow City Council funds.
Construction contractor Sindall has chosen to
Morgan follow
Westminster advice that building work can continue, despite First Minister Nicola Sturgeon clearly saying it should stop.
Pat Rafferty, Unite Scottish Secretary, said: “It’s absolutely staggering that the Sighthill regeneration project is scheduled to re-open on Monday.
“The Scottish Government’s instruction is not being adhered to and tougher measures must be brought forward with immediate effect.
“We need to ensure that workers’ pay including the self-employed are not harmed by the decision to close construction sites down which is why many workers continue to turn up.
“Many construction workers regularly shift between direct employment, self-employment and agency work.
“The reality of this means that there is confusion between schemes they can access.
“This is why construction workers should be declared as employees and covered by the employee income support scheme.
“The Scottish Government should be saying to Morgan Sindall and any other company that the rules in Scotland are that they are carrying out non-essential work, they must shut down and pay their workers.”
A Scottish Government spokeswoman said: “The First Minister has been absolutely clear that all construction work must cease unless, for example, it is for an NHS facility. We absolutely understand the concerns raised by trade unions about this site and we will be in touch urgently with the contractors to remind them of their responsibilities.”
Morgan Sindall has for comment. what been approached