CSCS Card Update

Important Update: CSCS Labourer Card Validity Reduced to Two Years – What M&E Contractors Need to Know

From 1st February 2025, the CSCS Labourer Card for first-time applicants will now be valid for just two years instead of the previous five years. This change is designed to ensure workers stay current with health and safety standards, promoting a safer construction environment. For M&E contractors, it means more frequent renewals and closer attention to worker qualifications. Here's what you need to know.

Why the Change?
The reduction in validity is part of efforts to improve safety across the construction industry. Workers will need to renew their first card earlier than the previously accepted five years, ensuring their safety knowledge and experience in labouring jobs is adequate before being given a five year card . This also aligns with best practices in many industries that require frequent recertification to maintain competency.

Impact on M&E Contractors
For M&E employers, this change means:

• More Frequent Renewals: New workers will need to renew their first CSCS Labourer Card after two years, requiring extra attention to expiry dates.
• Focus on Workforce Competence: The changes aim to ensure that only Labourers experience hold card for more than the initial 2 year period.
• Availability of Labour – Candidates may face difficulty in proving they have been working in Labouring Jobs,  if work they have completed at the time of the first renewal is short term or adhoc. 

How M&E Employers Can Stay Compliant
To stay on top of the changes, M&E employers should:

• Track Expiry Dates: Keep records of when workers’ cards expire and plan renewals in advance.
• Support Ongoing Training: Encourage workers to take health and safety courses to stay compliant.
• Verify Certifications: Ensure all candidates have a valid CSCS Labourer Card during the recruitment process.

Frequently asked questions for applicants looking for Labourer Jobs within the M&E Sector.

1. When Do Labourers Need to Show Proof of Employment?
   Applicants must provide evidence of employment as a labourer in the following situations:

• Applying for a Five-Year Card After Holding a Two-Year Card: Once your initial two-year Labourer card expires, you’ll need to show proof to qualify for a five-year renewal.
• Renewing an Existing Five-Year Card: If your five-year card hasn’t been expired for more than one year, proof of active employment is required for renewal.
  Note: Proof of employment is not required for the first two-year Labourer card application.

2. What Happens to Existing Labourer Cards?
   Your current Labourer card will remain valid until its expiration date. Upon renewal, a five-year card can be issued, provided you meet the updated requirements, including employment verification.

3. Why Are These Changes Being Introduced?
   The revisions align with industry initiatives under the Building Safety Act, aiming to: 

• Reduce the oversupply of Labourer cards.
• Ensure only genuine labourers hold CSCS cards to maintain competence and safety standards across construction sites.

4. What Does a Construction Labourer Do?
   Construction labourers perform a wide variety of tasks to support construction projects. Typical responsibilities include:

• Moving materials, digging trenches, mixing concrete, and cleaning sites.
• Assisting skilled tradespeople like electricians, plumbers, and bricklayers.
• Laying foundations, preparing drainage, and maintaining site safety.
• Labourers may also handle record-keeping, ordering materials, and equipment preparation.

5. What Evidence Is Required to Prove Employment as a Labourer?
   Acceptable forms of proof include:

• A letter from your employer on official company letterhead confirming your role as a labourer.
• A completed Labourer Declaration form (available February 1, 2025, at CSCS Labourer).

6. What If I Have a Labourer Card but Don’t Perform Labouring Tasks?
   If you are on-site for non-construction roles (e.g., office-based work or occasional visits), you don’t need a Labourer card. Instead, ensure you carry the correct CSCS card for your role.

This is an important shift aimed at improving safety and maintaining high industry standards..

At 1st Step Solutions Ltd, we are committed to helping you navigate these changes and ensuring your workforce remains compliant with the latest construction standards. Whether you need assistance with recruitment or are looking for assistance getting your next Labouring Job, we’re here to support you every step of the way.

If you have any questions or need help ensuring your team meets CSCS requirements, you can find more information HERE or contact us on 0207 846 7622 or 0117 332 6633