First CSCS Labourer Card Validity Reduced to Two Years

Construction Skills Certification Scheme Cards Limited (CSCS) has recently shared an important update which announced significant changes to the CSCS Labourer card. These updates will come into effect on 1st February 2025.

What’s changing with first CSCS labourer card validity?

The initial validity period of the Labourer card will reduce from five years to two years. After this period, workers who continue in labouring roles will be able to renew their card for a five-year term. However, this is provided they can show evidence of employment in a labouring role.

Why are these changes happening?

This shift aligns with the Building Safety Act, which emphasises competency across the construction industry. The Act legally requires everyone in construction to have the right skills, knowledge, experience, and behaviours. They must ensure they meet these standards.

Garry Mortimer, Executive Director of Operations at CSCS Cards Limited, explained, “The competence of the construction workforce is at the heart of the Building Safety Act. These changes better align with the competency expectations of the Act as they will encourage more new entrants to start their career not on the Labourer card, but on one of CSCS’s red cards, which demonstrate to employers that the card holder is on a recognised training pathway that supports long-term career progression.”

CSCS offers various red cards designed for individuals pursuing recognised training pathways, such as apprenticeships and NVQs. .

What about the CITB Health, Safety, and Environment Test?

In a related change, the CITB Health, Safety, and Environment Test, required for the initial two-year card application, will now have its validity extended to three years. This update ensures that the same test can be used for card renewal, reducing financial strain on labourers who continue in the role.

What’s the goal of changing the validity?

These adjustments aim to address the current oversupply of Labourer cards. The aim is to ensure that only those performing genuine labouring duties hold the card. Currently, there are approximately 500,000 Labourer cards in circulation. This is despite forecasts from the CITB Construction Skills Network indicating an annual need for around 140,000 labourers by 2028.

Mortimer added, “Our data shows that 85% of Labourers do not renew their card, and feedback from employers highlights many workers leave the industry long before their Labourer cards expire. By reducing the Labourer card’s initial validity to two years, we can better track the actual number of active Labourers in the sector. The requirement for proof of working in a labouring role upon renewal will ensure the card is no longer used as the default easy option for site access.”

This decision follows extensive consultation with employers, standard-setting bodies, over 40 sector representative organisations, and unions.

CSCS Cards Limited continues to adapt its card schemes to reflect industry needs. Further announcements are expected in the coming weeks.