Construction union UCATT has made a call for a 'clearer approach' concerning industry safety tests following revelations of rogue companies issuing fraudulent Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS) cards.

Earlier this month, a joint BBC London/Newsnight investigation revealed a string of test centres were rigging health and safety exams, allowing untrained builders onto construction sites.

However, despite the media revelations, UCATT states the cards still have 'significant value' to the industry, adding that the fraud exists only on a 'very limited scale'.

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The union is now calling for a simple, one-day attendance safety course to be paid for by the employer.

Acting General Secretary Brian Rye believes the course would 'erase any doubts whether a worker is qualified in health and safety'.

"CSCS cards have been and will continue to be an asset to those hiring in the construction industry," he said.

"It would be a mistake to discount the over two million cards in use, purely because of the fraudulent activities of a minority. For avoidance of doubt in awarding a CSCS card, we suggest not just a tick exam but a one day course.

"This would make the CSCS test more stringent, bolster its image within the industry, and make the industry safer - which is especially important given that construction is the most dangerous industry in the UK."

(LM/MH)