Workplace Report April 2016

Recruitment and organisation news

Unions sign charter


Sheffield City Council has agreed to promote the benefits of unions to staff under a Charter of minimum standards on construction projects.


The Sheffield Charter, signed by construction union UCATT, the GMB and Unite general unions and the Sheffield deputy council leader, sets out provisions that contractors employed on the council’s projects will have to follow. 


Contractors must:


• directly employ workers (rather than being self-employed or paid via umbrella companies);


• employ workers under recognised industrial agreements;


• promote the benefits of unions and recognise shop stewards;


• certify they are not engaged in blacklisting; and


• promote and encourage apprenticeships to NVQ Level 3.


Wakefield Council signed a similar agreement in March.

https://www.ucatt.org.uk/sheffield-council-signs-construction-charter