Sheffield City Council has became the latest local authority to sign a minimum standards construction charter, union UCATT has announced.

Council Leader Leigh Bramall signed the agreement with construction unions UCATT, GMB and Unite on Wednesday, 06 April.

The document ensures contractors employed to carry out projects for the council will have the following:

• Directly employ workers (rather than being self-employed or paid via umbrella companies).

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• Employ workers under recognised industrial agreements.

• Promote the benefits of trade unions and recognise shop stewards.

• Certify they are not engaged in blacklisting.

• Promote and encourage apprenticeships to NVQ Level 3.

Wakefield Council have previously signed a similar agreement and UCATT are working to ensure other Yorkshire local authorities follow its lead.

Rob Morris, Regional Secretary for UCATT Yorkshire, said the charter ensures workers employed on Sheffield City Council projects receive fair treatment.

"This charter is a first step to combatting and stamping out the exploitation and shoddy practices which are inherent in the construction industry."

(LM)