02.07.2004

Fraud expert warns of CSCS card scam

Martin Cunningham, a leading fraud and criminal defence solicitor, is urging site managers to be vigilant following reports of a new scam to provide Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS) cards to unqualified labourers.

The warning comes amid reports that detectives in Hampshire have launched a fraud investigation into an unnamed employment agency after a building columnist alleged that it was illicitly supplying CSCS cards.

Mr Cunningham said: “Intense demand for affordable housing has increased the pressure on site managers to work to tight budgets and time scales. This coupled with a shortage of qualified workers means that some managers have succumbed to desperate measures to employ cheap and available staff.

“This scam has serious implications for site safety. Employing personnel without sufficient building or health and safety qualifications could have devastating consequences. The risks posed by this fraud range from soaring insurance costs to endangered lives.

“Enlargement of the EU has brought with it an influx of manual workers, many of whom don't have the equivalent qualifications to enable them to work legally on British construction sites. Immigrant workers provide rich pickings for the scammers who are reported to be making around £500 on each card.”

CSCS cards are issued to workers who have satisfied a range of practical and theoretical requirements and are legally qualified to work in the UK construction industry. The CSCS card also provides evidence that the holder has undergone health and safety awareness training or testing. It is controlled and regulated by members from professional organisations including The Construction Federation and the Health and Safety Executive.