Leeds City Council has been urged by union UCATT to take action after reports of a construction contractor shortening the length of break times for workers.

The organisation said Bam Nuttall employees working on the Thwaites Mill section of the Leeds Flood Alleviation Scheme reported rest breaks on the site had been cut from one hour a day to 50 minutes.

As the reduction coincides with recent hot weather and is contrary to the Construction Industry Joint Council Working Rule Agreement, UCATT said it fears for the health and safety of workers on the project.

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Rob Morris, Regional Secretary of UCATT Yorkshire, said: "Construction workers need decent breaks in order to recover and refuel after undertaking strenuous work. If they are denied decent breaks, tiredness and fatigue kicks in and accidents are more likely. Bam Nuttall should be providing extra breaks not cutting the existing ones.

"We have tried to resolve this issue a number of times with the site manager without success. Leeds council as the client needs to step in and ensure workers receive the breaks they deserve."

(LM/MH)