Two construction unions are staging a series of protests at employers' organisations which have blocked the introduction of the London Living Wage for workers.

UCATT and Unite have organised demonstrations which began at 8am this morning 19 August.

The trade unions are staging protests outside the offices of the Home Builders Federation, Civil Engineering Contractors Association and National Access and Scaffolding Confederation.

Last month the employers on the Construction industry Joint Council (CIJC) blocked union proposals that all worker employed in the London area and covered by the agreement should at least receive the London Living Wage.

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Currently, the rate for labourers and general operative working under the CIJC is just £8.52 an hour compared to the London Living Wage of £9.15.

Jerry Swain, Regional Secretary for UCATT's London and South East Region, said: "The employers are treating workers with absolute contempt. Many construction workers are employed in brutal conditions and have to work excessive hours just to make ends meet. It is frankly disgusting that they should be employed on pay rates below what you need to live on in London."

Unite Deputy Regional Secretary for London and Eastern, Vince Passfield said: "London's prosperity is partly based on the building boom across the city, yet the very construction workers creating the wealth are being denied the London 'living wage' deemed the basic income required to live in one of the world’s most expensive cities."

(LM)