Validity of first CSCS Labourer Card reduced to two years

Published: October 30, 2024

Construction Skills Certification Scheme Cards Limited (CSCS Cards Limited) today announced major changes to the Labourer card, which take effect from February 1st, 2025.

The initial card will reduce from five years to two years, with workers who continue in labouring roles then able to renew their card for five years by providing evidence they are employed in a labouring role.

The changes support the direction of travel emerging from the Building Safety Act, which challenges how all in the construction industry must operate, with anyone undertaking a construction role now under a legal duty to ensure they are competent for their role. This means having the appropriate skills, knowledge, experience, and behaviours.

Garry Mortimer, Executive Director of Operations at CSCS Cards Limited said: “The competence of the construction workforce is at the heart of the Building Safety Act. These changes better align with the competency expectations of the Act as they will encourage more new entrants to start their career not on the Labourer card, but on one of CSCS’s red cards, which demonstrate to employers that the card holder is on a recognised training pathway that supports long-term career progression.”

CSCS has a range of red cards to support those on recognised training pathways, such as apprenticeships and NVQs. For more information visit CSCS.uk.com/cards.

Additionally, the accompanying CITB Health, safety, and environment test used for the initial two-year card application will see its validity extended to three years, allowing it to be used for renewal and to avoid placing undue financial burdens on those who continue in labouring roles.

The adjustments are also designed to address the current oversupply of Labourer cards and to ensure only those carrying out genuine labouring duties carry the card.

The Construction Industry Training Board’s (CITB) Construction Skills Network Forecast indicates that approximately 140,000 labourers will be needed annually by 2028. However, with around 500,000 Labourer cards currently in circulation, it is evident that the card is oversupplied.

Garry Mortimer continued: “Our data shows that 85% of Labourers do not renew their card, and feedback from employers highlights many workers leave the industry long before their Labourer cards expire.

“By reducing the Labourer card’s initial validity to two years, we can better track the actual number of active Labourers in the sector. The requirement for proof of working in a labouring role upon renewal will ensure the card is no longer used as the default easy option for site access.”

This decision follows extensive consultation with employers, standard-setting bodies, over 40 sector representative organisations and unions.

CSCS Cards Limited remains committed to adapting its card scheme to meet the needs of the industry, with further announcements expected to be made in the coming weeks.

For a full list of FAQs relating to these changes, visit CSCS.uk.com/Labourer.