Council’s construction charter

Construction companies tendering for contracts with South Lanarkshire Council will now be expected to meet new standards and conditions.

A Construction Charter has been agreed by the council following a request by union Unite.

The charter will build on the existing fair working practices that the council ask all bidders for contracts to adhere to.

There are five main headings of the charter which cover health and safety, employment standards, pay and benefits, employment rights and responsible sourcing.

The paper was passed by councillors at an executive committee meeting.

Chair of the council’s housing and technical resources committee, Councillor Josh Wilson, said:“I’m delighted that the Construction Charter is now in place and it sends a strong message about how much we want to protect anyone carrying out work on our behalf. We look forward to working with contractors to help us support the aims as set out in the charter.”

There were concerns, however, raised by the Conservative Group leader, councillor Alex Allison, that the charter may put small businesses and the self-employed at a disadvantage due to differing terms and conditions of sub-contractors.

He said:“While I broadly welcome the charter we need to ensure small businesses and the self-employed are not discriminated against when working for the council.”