Construction union Unite has issued a warning to employers to 'up their game' in rooting out fake Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS) cards.

This follows recent reports that a fake CSCS card seller was jailed for more than three years.

The union believes that the existence of fake cards is primarily a result of the failure of employers to properly check CSCS cards when workers begin work. All new CSCS cards contain a microchip within them and, if an employer checked the cards electronically, they would automatically know if it were genuine.

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Unite national officer Bernard McAulay said: "Construction workers recognise the importance of the CSCS card and it is a major factor in helping to improve standards and competency in the industry.

"However, the number of fake cards in the system is tainting CSCS' brand and diminishes the confidence of workers in the scheme.

"To ensure that the CSCS card remains the gold standard, employers need to up their game and ensure that all cards are checked electronically.

"The employers' failure to do this is allowing the spivs and fraudsters to flourish. Allowing unqualified workers damages productivity and potentially the safety of all workers on that site."

(CM/MH)