The scheme currently provides a postal application service that is used by construction workers to apply for their cards.

From April 30 postal application forms will be removed from the CSCS website and from June 30 CSCS will stop processing applications received via the post.

Gordon Jenkins, Director of Operations at CSCS said: “Postal applications do not deliver good customer service.

“They are a complex, time-consuming and inefficient way for our customers to make an application and this is why we have decided to withdraw the service.”

CSCS are encouraging applicants who have historically relied on the postal application service to start making their applications over the phone, or if applying for two or more cards, to use the online employer application form.

Jenkins added: “All postal applications received after June 30 will be returned to the applicant with a request to make a telephone application.

“Removing the postal applications takes away much of the complexity surrounding the paper-based system and it will speed up the application process for individual applicants.”

Removal of the postal application service will also mark the end of cheques and postal orders as approved methods of payment.

From June 30 all payments must be made via debit or credit cards.

The withdrawal of the postal application service forms part of CSCS’s longer term plans to move the majority of applications online and to improve the existing telephone processes.