The Leader of Nottingham City Council has today signed a charter to highlight and protect the rights of construction workers.
Councillor Jon Collins signed the Unite Construction Charter on behalf of the authority during a short ceremony at Loxley House this lunchtime (15 January).
The agreement commits to working with Unite around council building projects in order to achieve the highest standards on direct employment status, health and safety, quality of work and apprenticeship training.
Councillor Collins said: “I welcome this Construction Charter and am happy to sign up to it on behalf of the council. We already have commitments in place to source local suppliers and contractors wherever possible, but this will further help to ensure that construction workers are properly supported.
“This includes the highest standards of health and safety on site, plus providing appropriate training and opportunities for career progression. Everyone has the right to a safe working environment and this charter will ensure workers are treated fairly on council projects into the future.”
Paresh Patel, Unite’s regional secretary for the East Midlands, said: “Nottingham City Council is making a significant commitment to construction workers and to residents.
“The Construction Charter means that construction projects under the control of the council should meet the highest standards for workers and residents.
“It helps local workers to operate in a safe environment including giving them the rights to raise health and safety issues without fear. It means there will be no blacklisting of workers. The Charter also protects workers from bogus self-employment by ensuring construction workers are directly employed.”
Councillor Collins is pictured signing the charter with Paresh Patel.