Experienced Site Workers to lose Grandfather Rights to skills cards

​The Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS) has confirmed it will be phasing out the grandfather rights for certain CSCS cards from 2020, they will then abolish it completely from 2024.
 
The scheme allowed workers to obtain CSCS cards based on their industry knowledge and an employers’ recommendation, the cards do not require the achievement of a recognised qualification.
 

​CSCS closed the scheme to new applicants in 2012, however those currently holding the card are able to renew on the same basis. From 1st January 2020, all new cards issued will expire 31st December 2024. The CSCS will stop issuing the card from 30th June 2024.
Graham Wren, Chief Executive at CSCS said: “Following the closure of the Construction Related Occupation card and the Construction Site Visitor Card, cards gained by Industry Accreditation are the only cards in the CSCS scheme which do not require the cardholder to achieve a recognised qualification.
“Industry Accreditation does not support industry’s desire for a fully qualified workforce and as such it will be withdrawn.”
Those without further qualifications will be required to register for the appropriate qualification for their occupation before their cards expire in 2024. The CSCS have announced this early to ensure that card holders and their employers have enough time to make the necessary arrangements.