Concerns have been raised by union Unite over plans by Highways England to introduce a new health and safety card scheme for workers.

The initiative was launched on 01 October and all 50,000 workers will be expected to have the new card within 12 months.

However, Unite said it was not consulted on the scheme and added it understands other key sections of industry have also not been consulted.

In addition, the card scheme will be run by outsourcing specialists Mitie and the training associated with the card undertaken by Lantra.

Yet Unite has questioned the longevity of the scheme as Mitie has been awarded a two-year contract to administer the initiative.

The union added also goes against advice from the Construction Leadership Council (CLC) which recommends all card schemes should carry the Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS) logo and 'no equivalents should be accepted'.

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Unite assistant general secretary Gail Cartmail said: "Unite has been at the forefront of improving construction safety; any initiative which improves workplace safety would normally be welcomed.

"However, to be successful the new scheme must have the support of the workforce and the lack of consultation with unions and industry bodies, dramatically undermines this initiative.

"Workers will be concerned that employers will require them to pay for the cost of the new card and any additional training and the lack of communication has meant that agreements to ensure that employers pay the cost are not in place.

"This is yet another example of the lack of joined up government. The CLC is saying one thing and then Highways England has unilaterally gone off and undermined the policy of having one single card scheme.

"The involvement of Mitie is very alarming. Other card schemes are being run by not for profit organisations. Are Mitie and Highways England looking to profit out of a safety initiative?

"If Highways England is so concerned about the safety of highways workers why on earth are they planning to increase the speed limit around motorway roadworks which will place already vulnerable workers in even greater danger."

(LM/MH)