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 scheme from 2020 and abolishing it completely from 2024.

The scheme – officially known as Industry Accreditation – allowed workers to obtain CSCS cards based on their industry knowledge and an employers’ recommendation rather than the achievement of a recognised qualification.

CSCS closed Industry Accreditation to new applicants in 2010 but those already holding a card are currently able to renew on the same basis.

From 1st January 2020, all cards renewed under Industry Accreditation will expire on 31st December 2024 and 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^“Industry Accreditation does not support industry’s desire for a fully qualified workforce and as such it will be withdrawn.”

What each of the 60,000 Industry Accreditation card holders need to do next depends on their occupation and any qualifications they may already hold.

Those without qualifications will be required to register for the appropriate qualification for their occupation before their cards expire in 2024.

Wren added: “A lot of work has taken place to ensure those with cards issued under Industry Accreditation will be able to transition to other CSCS cards as simply as possible.

“We are making this announcement early to ensure card holders and their employers have enough time to make the necessary alternative arrangements.”

The withdrawal of Industry Accreditation will be the final step towards achieving the Construction Leadership Council’s objective of ensuring cards are only issued to those who have achieved, or are in the process of achieving, a nationally recognised construction related qualification.