A new six-point charter for firms who want to build in Liverpool has been drawn up by construction unions.

The charter, devised by Ucatt, Unite and the GMB, is designed to stamp out 'notorious' industry practices on any construction site within the city limits.

It was drawn up in association with the city council.

The six points on the document call for:

• The employment of all construction operatives under the terms and conditions set out in the relevant national agreements: JIB, JIBPMES, HVAC, CIJC, NAECI, and TICA.

• The promotion of the benefits of belonging to a recognised trade union.


• The recognition of onsite shop stewards who have an important role to play in achieving and promoting good industrial relations.

• Trade unions retaining responsibility to appoint any health & safety representative to reflect their members' priorities.

• The active promotion of the election of workplace health & safety reps and support for their role in helping to ensure a safe site.

• The provision of equality of opportunity for all, including the acknowledgement that the blacklisting of workers, for whatever reason, has no place in our society.

The charter states: "The construction industry is a dangerous industry and consequently we expect health & safety standards to be rigorously implemented and adhered to.

"We also expect welfare facilities for construction workers to be appropriate to the 21st century, such as toilets, mess, and drying facilities."

Major contractors will also have to offer "proper apprenticeships" to young people in the city.

The charter adds: "We also believe that all workers have the right to paid holidays, access to a sickness benefit scheme, a decent pension, accident compensation and the comfort of knowing that a death in service scheme is in operation."

(LM)