CSCS’s primary objective is to provide evidence that individuals working on construction sites have the required training and qualifications for the type of work they carry out.By certifying construction workers have the correct training and qualifications CSCS can play its part in improving standards and safety on UK construction sites. It was for this reason that CSCS ceased issuing the green Construction Site Operative card and replaced it with a qualification based card for Labourers.
Since introducing the Labourer Card in July 2014 more than 35,000 have been issued to applicants who have achieved either a Level 1 qualification or recognised equivalent. This is a positive step forward but further changes to the scheme are required if the industry is to realise its ambition of a fully qualified workforce.
The CRO card was introduced in 2005 at the request of industry and was intended for those occupations for which there were no nationally recognised qualifications. Since 2005 over 300,000 CRO cards have been issued covering more than 400 occupations.
Following the introduction of the green Labourer card in July 2014 applications for the Construction Related Occupation (CRO) card have grown significantly. Many applicants are now applying for the CRO card as no qualifications are required and they only need to pass the CITB Health, Safety and Environment test to be eligible for a card.
Prior to the introduction of the new Labourer card CSCS issued 3,000 CRO cards per month. This monthly figure then rose to 12,000. This clearly demonstrates that CRO cards are being used by site workers as the fastest route of entry to site without the need or commitment to be qualified.
The CRO card is no longer fit for purpose and CSCS has consulted with industry to determine the best way to address this issue. From 1st October 2015 new measures were introduced which have paved the way for the eventual withdrawal of the CRO card.
What happens next?
On 1st October 2015 the following changes to the CRO card were enacted:
- All CRO cards issued from 1stOctober 2015 will expire on 30th September 2017* and are not renewable
- CRO cardholders must register for a nationally recognised construction related qualification before their card expires
- Only one occupation will be displayed on CRO cards from 1stOctober 2015
- CSCS will stop issuing CRO cards from 31st March 2017.
* Please note existing CRO cards issued before 1st October 2015 that expire after 30th September 2017 will remain valid until their expiry date.
When you apply for a CRO card, CSCS will check if your occupation is covered by a nationally recognised construction related qualification and whether you hold that qualification. On submission of the necessary evidence CRO cardholders who have the required qualifications for their occupation will be issued with the appropriate skilled card.
If you have not obtained a nationally recognised construction related qualification you can apply for a CRO card that will expire on 30thSeptember 2017 and is not renewable. You will be expected to register for the appropriate qualification for your occupation before the CRO card expires. On completion of your qualification you will be able to apply for a skilled CSCS card.
If you do not register for the construction related qualification for your occupation by 30th September 2017 you will be unable to obtain a CSCS card.
From 1st October 2015 only one occupation will be displayed on the card. If you currently hold a multi-occupation card you must notify CSCS which occupation you wish to have displayed.
CSCS is aware there are existing construction related occupations without nationally recognised qualifications. Where appropriate, work is already underway to develop new nationally recognised qualifications for these occupations.
