Construction union UCATT gained a significant boost in its campaign to end bogus self-employment in the construction industry.

Following a two day conference in Prague European construction trade unions (EFBWW) and construction business representatives (FIEC) jointly signed a document condemning bogus self-employment. The document will now be used as a major lobbying tool to help eradicate bogus self-employment in the construction industry, wherever it occurs in the European Union.

The document titled Joint Conclusions and Recommendations of the European Partners in the Construction Industry on Self-Employment and Bogus Self Employment, says: "EFBWW and FIEC agree that there are very harmful consequences to 'undeclared labour' in the construction sector. Undeclared labour practices, which include bogus self-employment, are illegal and have serious social, economic and health and safety consequences for the entire sector, both at the macro level (eg fiscal and social security) and at the level of individual worker and their employers."

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The conference in Prague and the signing of the document were the culmination of a joint two year project between union and business representatives examining the issues of bogus self-employment.

Alan Ritchie, General Secretary of UCATT, said: "The signing of the document is a significant victory for everyone who wants to stamp out bogus self-employment. It is now recognised by all sides throughout Europe that bogus self-employment cannot and will not be accepted."

(CD/GK)