Beginning on the 1st of February, 2025, significant changes will be enacted to the Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS) Labourer Card. These updates will include adjustments to the card’s validity period, renewal requirements and alignment with the Building Safety Act. There is however, no need to panic. We’re going to break down the changes and let you know what you need to do to make sure you’re ready for 2025.
The primary goals of the changes are:
- To improve safety and competency standards within the construction industry.
- To address the current oversupply of Labourer cards, ensuring they are only held by those actively working as Labourers.
- To better reflect the skills, knowledge, and behaviours required under the Building Safety Act.
It’s important to understand that these changes aim to promote a safer and more competent construction workforce, and will benefit the vast majority of legitimate labourers! Both new applicants and current cardholders will need to adapt to the updates.
Key Changes to the CSCS Labourer Card
A. Initial Validity Period Reduced:
- First-time Labourer Cards will, as of the 1st of February, only be valid for two years instead of five.
- Workers can renew their card after the initial two-year term, provided they can submit proof of employment in a labouring role.
B. CITB Test Validity Extended:
- The CITB Health, Safety and Environment test, a mandatory part of Labourer Card applications, will now have an extended validity period of three years.
- This means that applicants can use the same test for both the initial two-year card, and the first renewal, reducing costs and logistical challenges.
C. Proof Of Employment Mandatory For Renewal:
- If your Labourer card was issued/renewed before February 2025, it will remain valid for five years, as per the existing rules.
- Applicants with an expired Labourer Card will be required to demonstrate their active employment in a labouring role.
- Acceptable proof is likely to include:
- Employment records
- Letters from employers
- Other official documentation
Alignment with the Building Safety Act
The updates to be made in February definitively align the Labourer Card with the Building Safety Act’s competency standards, which are strict on having workers demonstrate the necessary skills, knowledge and behaviours to perform their roles safely and effectively. While the changes might be frustrating for some, they are a convincing step towards making our industry safer and more effective.
Addressing Labourer Card Oversupply
There are estimated to be 500,000 Labourer Cards currently in circulation, where the industry projected an annual need of 140,000 Labourers by 2028. This oversupply has prompted organisations like CSCS to focus on tracking Labourers to ensure Labourer Cards are held only by individuals who genuinely work in the construction industry.
The new two-year validity period for cards will improve accuracy in tracking active labourers, improving the safety and legitimacy of the industry.
Additional Information
For more details on the CSCS Labourer Card changes and how to prepare, visit view our blog post.
Additional guidance and support are available through the CSCS website, where applicants and employers can find a comprehensive list of FAQs and contact CSCS representatives for personalised assistance.