CSCS Green Labourer Card Changes

FROM 1 February 2025, the first Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS) green Labourer card issued will be valid for 2 years.

After that, when a card is due for renewal it will be valid for five years if the cardholder can produce evidence they are working in a labouring role.

Additionally, the accompanying CITB Health, safety, and environment test needed to be eligible for the initial two-year card application will be valid for three years so it can be used for renewal.

The changes come from the Building Safety Act. The new law which means anyone in a construction role now has a legal duty to ensure they are competent for their role. This means having the appropriate skills, knowledge, experience, and behaviours.

CSCS Green Labourer Card Changes

Garry Mortimer, Executive Director of Operations at CSCS Cards Limited said: “The competence of the construction workforce is at the heart of the Building Safety Act. These changes better align with the competency expectations of the Act as they will encourage more new entrants to start their career not on the Labourer card, but on one of CSCS’s red cards, which demonstrate to employers that the card holder is on a recognised training pathway that supports long-term career progression.”

CSCS has a range of red cards for those on recognised training pathways, such as apprenticeships and NVQs.

Too Many Cards

CSCS says the card changes are also because there is a current oversupply of Labourer cards, helping There are around 500,000 Labourer cards currently in circulation.

Garry Mortimer continued: “Our data shows that 85% of Labourers do not renew their card, and feedback from employers highlights many workers leave the industry long before their Labourer cards expire.

“By reducing the Labourer card’s initial validity to two years, we can better track the actual number of active Labourers in the sector. The requirement for proof of working in a labouring role on renewal will ensure the card is no longer the default easy option for site access.”

This decision follows extensive consultation with employers, standard-setting bodies, over 40 sector representative organisations and unions.

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