A new survey has revealed a significant number of construction workers do not have a contract of employment…
In a poll of 1,043 construction workers, three in five reported they did not have a contract of employment. A further 20 per cent admitted they were not sure if they had a contract in place.
The survey, which was made up of 34 per cent builders, 13 per cent plumbers, and nine per cent carpenters, also revealed a staggering number did not receive sick or holiday pay, at 82 and 86 per cent, respectively.
Additionally, the findings revealed only 12 per cent were paid if the weather stopped work. A further four per cent said it would depend on the situation.
The survey asked respondents whether they considered themselves to be on zero hours contracts. However, only 16 per cent said they did. More than three quarters admitted to having no contract whatsoever and simply turning up to work.
When asked if they would prefer to be on a zero hours contract or an employment contract a total of 68 per cent opted for the latter.
The survey was conducted by constructaquote.com CEO Lyndon Wood said: “Our survey reveals that zero-hour contracts are customary in the construction industry.
“The majority of those we polled told us that they did not receive any sick pay or paid annual leave – which I think is a worrying statistic as many of our tradespeople are out in all weathers keeping the UK economy ticking over.
“I also think it is very telling that just under three quarters said that they would prefer to have a written employment contract and that 76 per cent just turn up for work, with no contract in place. Working in the trades without any form of written contract has been the way the industry has worked for years, but as this study has shown – maybe it is time for change.”