Union attacks construction’s ‘long hours culture’

The Unite union has welcomed news that contractors are beginning to embrace flexible working arrangements but criticised the industry for what it said was a “long hours culture”.

Unite’s reaction came after news of a Build UK-led pilot involving BAM Construct, BAM Nuttall, Skanska and Willmott Dixon which found that flexible working can boost worker wellbeing with no impact on programme deadlines or budgets. Meanwhile Wates has also announced that all of its employees will move to flexible working.

Unite said it recognised that flexible working is beneficial for workers who can access the scheme but said the long hours culture was a “much bigger factor” in preventing workers from enjoying a decent work life balance.

Unite national officer Jerry Swain said: “Of course Unite recognises the benefits of flexible working but for the vast majority of those in the construction industry such policies are not relevant or applicable.

“Site workers in construction companies’ contract supply chains will either not be eligible for flexible working schemes or can’t use them as they have to be at work at set times.

“If construction is truly serious about improving the work life balance of its entire workforce then it must tackle the long hours culture.

“In order for such a policy to be successful it needs to address pay rates and the tenure of workers.

“The failure of employers to agree an appropriate pay structure, combined with a hire and fire approach for each job, results in workers feeling forced to work all hours they possibly can, as they never know when the next job will begin and what rates of pay they can obtain.

“For far too many construction workers long hours is a constant grim reality that has to be endured and this must change if the industry is ever going to become more attractive to a younger more diverse workforce.”