North Lanarkshire Council has signed a new Construction Charter that will protect employees' rights and regulate industry standards.

The document, which was drawn up in partnership with Union Unite, outlines four key principles that all firms must comply with;

• Health and Safety - including regulations and standards are rigorously adhered to

• Employment Standards - to improve skills and employment opportunities

• Pay and Benefits - minimum Living Wage standard and access to key benefits

• Employment rights - good industrial relations and practices

Any construction firms planning to work on North Lanarkshire build projects will sign up the charter.

Cllr Jim Logue said: "The council is currently embarking on ambitious plans right across North Lanarkshire including the single biggest investment in council houses for a generation and a planned programme to improve schools. For this, we work with a wide range of firms and suppliers at a number of sites, employing hundreds of people whose health and safety is paramount.

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"It is vital that everyone working within the construction industry on council projects complies with the proposed charter to ensure health and safety standards are met, employees are treated and paid fairly and importantly, that all workers' rights are protected.

"As an accredited Living Wage employer, it's fundamental that the partners we work pass this on, as well as making a positive contribution to the provision of training, skills and employment opportunities locally."

Steve Dillon Unite Regional Coordinating Officer, added: "When the council spends public money, Unite wants to make sure it is going to companies who are investing in the local community, paying the appropriate rate for the job, and ensuring workers in their supply chains are treated with dignity and respect. Too often this has been lacking in construction therefore we welcome the support of the Labour leadership in North Lanarkshire Council in adopting the Construction Charter."

(LM/MH)