Concerns have been raised over the competency of workers carrying out mechanical engineering work at the Ferrybridge power station in Yorkshire.

Union Unite has submitted a formal complaint to the National Agreement for the Engineering Construction Industry (NAECI) National Joint Council over the competency of workers employed by the Polish sub-contractor Mosotstal Pulaway at the plant.

The contractor has agreed to abide by the NAECI terms and conditions, the relevant industrial agreement for the mechanical engineering works being undertaken.

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However Unite is concerned HZI, the principal contractor, has breached the rules of the agreement.

The organisation's challenge is to ensure the agreement is honoured in full, including on the necessary standards, to ensure workplace safety and that the workforces' skills are fit for purpose, namely a trade specific NVQ at Level 3.

Unite regional organiser, Chris Weldon, said the union will not allow its industrial agreements to be undermined.

"It is vital that this issue is swiftly resolved not just for this site, but for future projects undertaken under the NAECI agreement.

"This dispute is about ensuring that workers employed on NAECI projects across the UK have the appropriate qualifications and are fully competent and safe to undertake the work."

(LM)