Council Joins Construction Charter Leading Industry Standards

MANCHESTER City Council is the latest local authority to sign up to a construction charter that actively outlaws poor construction practices under its control.

The Charter, led by UK construction union Unite, aims to ensure building contractors and sub-contractors under the control of the local authority provide good jobs, good apprentice training, excellent health and safety standards and the assurance that workers will be paid the industry rate.

Council Joins Construction Charter

Construction firms planning to work on Manchester City Council building projects will now need to adhere to the new Charter. It means that projects across the city including the ongoing work at Manchester Airport and Manchester Town Hall will meet the highest standards for workers employed on the projects.

Unite’s regional coordinating officer for construction, Andy Fisher said: “The Charter will protect workers from poor industry practices which result in the loss of employment rights, it stops blacklisting and means workers can raise health and safety issues without fear.

“It’s fantastic news that one of the UK’s major cities has pledged to lead the way and demand the highest standards in construction.”

Councillor Carl Ollerhead said: “Manchester City Council has ambitious plans for the city and we are delighted to work with Unite to ensure that our construction projects meet the highest standards for workers and for residents.

“The council has a number of important development projects in progress including the renovation of Manchester Town Hall and the Factory project. The Charter means that workers and residents can be confident that these projects will move forward with ethical construction practices.”

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