Union of Construction, Allied Trades and Technicians (UCATT) has reacted with anger to an unprovoked attack by former newspaper boss Mr Eddie Shah concerning the work ethic of construction workers.

Mr Alan Ritchie, General Secretary of UCATT, said: "It is a pity that Eddie Shah has crawled out from under the rock where he has been hiding. Particularly when he spouts such rubbish. Construction workers are extremely hardworking. Sadly too often construction workers literally give their lives to the industry, 69 workers were killed last year."

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Mr Shah, who now builds 'environmental homes' in Wiltshire, made his comments on the website: www.showhouse.co.uk.

Mr Ritchie, added: "Shah operates in the most casualised, least safety conscious sector of the industry. The majority of workers are forced to be bogusly self-employed, with no rights and can be sacked at a moments notice. Maybe if construction bosses actually looked after their workforce, rather than spending their time trying to ensure they don’t have to pay standard benefits such a holiday pay, the industry would be more productive. I do hope that Mr Shah does not treat his workers in this way."

(CD/JM)