The Scottish government is to introduce a new policy to improve the safety and efficiency of construction sites.

All companies and staff engaged in new public sector construction contracts must be registered with the Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS) or an equivalent.

The move follows a request from the Scottish Building Federation.

Deputy First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said: "Scotland’s public sector spends over £2bn per annum on construction related contracts.

"Adopting schemes like CSCS can make a significant difference to efficient working and health and safety on construction sites.

"This is particularly important given the significant challenges the construction industry faces in the current economic climate. I would urge other parts of the public sector to adopt the same policy."

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Michael Levack, Chief Executive of the Scottish Building Federation said: "This is an important step in a continued drive to ensure everyone working in the Scottish construction industry is properly qualified and accredited. We welcome all efforts the Scottish Government can make to support firms with getting their workforce signed up to recognised schemes.

"Through its Major Contractors group, the Scottish Building Federation looks forward to working with Nicola Sturgeon on other similar initiatives to drive continued improvements in health and safety in the construction sector."

Alan Watt, Chief Executive of the Civil Engineering Contractors Association Scotland said: "At present well over 80% of the CECA workforce across Scotland hold CSCS or equivalent cards and these cards are now required on most major civil engineering sites across Scotland.

"This has delivered huge benefits in terms of promoting skills and a basic level of health and safety knowledge. We are therefore right behind the Scottish Government’s decision to make CSCS or equivalent cards mandatory on public sector construction projects."

(IT)