Big name concrete firms miss out on major HS2 deal

Grant Prior 3 years ago
Share

Some of the biggest names in the sector have missed out on a major reinforced concrete and formwork package on HS2.

The Skanska Costain STRABAG Joint Venture (SCS) has awarded the deal to Kelly Formwork who faced competition from big name bidders including Byrne Bros, Keltbray, McGee and Morrisroe.

Kelly will now be delivering the RC package on the eastern section of HS2 around Euston in a deal the Enquirer understands could be worth up to £20m and employ 100 people.

The award has raised eyebrows among union officials who are keen for HS2 to stick to its direct employment pledges on the project.

A spokesperson for SCS said Kelly Formwork has provided assurances that its operatives are directly employed.

Unite national officer for construction Jerry Swain said: “This is not just about the named status of a worker – we need to know that companies are geared-up for a fully employed workforce in terms of proper HR departments so operatives get full PAYE benefits.”

A SCS spokesperson said: “Kelly Formwork provide labour supply to Skanska Costain STRABAG Joint Venture HS2’s Tier 1 contractor and currently have over 30 people on site.

“They have provided assurance that operatives are directly employed and paid via PAYE and Class 1 NI contributions.

“They anticipate that this will increase to around 100 people in the coming months, who will also be employed in the same manner.”

A Kelly Formwork spokesperson said: “The labour we are providing to the SCS JV are all directly employed and paid via PAYE.

“We have also previously provided over 150 people for the Crossrail programme at Bond Street, who were all directly employed and paid via PAYE and are therefore keen to highlight that we do not consider ourselves to be a ‘micro account.’

“We are proud of the role we have been awarded on this prestigious scheme.”

An HS2 spokesperson added: “HS2 has a policy of direct employment as part of our voluntary Employee and Industrial Relations Code of Practice which has been agreed with our Tier 1 contractors.

“They are required to directly employ workers and first line supervisors on the project and ensure that subcontractors in their supply chain do the same.

“Direct employment means workers must have a contract of employment, with payment via PAYE with Class 1 National Insurance contributions. This is audited through the Tier 1 contractors directly.”

Latest news

Construction buyers see fastest growth for 14 months

Commercial building work leads the way in April
17 hours ago

Go Modular Technologies files administration notice

Southampton bespoke volumetric specialist employs around 60 staff
20 hours ago

Cladding firm went down owing supply chain £7.7m

Debts revealed at Everton stadium cladding contractor Alucraft Systems Ltd
20 hours ago

Rydon dogged by legacy fire safety remediation costs

£19m spent on fire safety remediation work to date
20 hours ago

Carpenter killed by falling timber frame panels

Court fines specialist contractor £8,000 after site tragedy
5 days ago

Trio of builders win King’s Award for sustainability

Henry Brothers, Willmott Dixon and ZED Pods recognised for sustainability
19 hours ago

Kent police seize huge haul of stolen site tools

Hunt for power drill fitted with tracker busts tool theft ring
20 hours ago

Robertson names new Northern construction chiefs

Ian Phillips promoted and Ricky Brown joins from Morgan Sindall
20 hours ago

Road sweeper specialist files administration notice

Go Plant lodges court notice
5 days ago

Anglian Homes rides in to finish crashed Everest contracts

Rival doubled glazed window specialist commits to complete orders
5 days ago

Final work starts to connect super sewer to London system

End in sight with 1.5m thick concrete wall to be demolished to link-up to Lee Tunnel sewer system
5 days ago

Legal challenge launched against £1.5bn A66 dualling

Balfour Beatty, Kier and Keltbray must now await outcome of court challenge
5 days ago

John F Hunt wins 24-storey Battersea tower

Specialist to carry-out demolition, enabling works and RC frame construction
6 days ago

William Hare wins steelwork on £500m Broadgate towers

Specialist to work on 2 Finsbury Avenue with McAlpine
6 days ago

McAlpine appoints MD to grow ventures business

Owain Thomas will build on private rental and healthcare development successes
6 days ago

BAM Co-op Live Arena opening delayed yet again

Another gig cancelled last night amid last minute safety concerns
6 days ago

National Grid unveils winners for £9bn network upgrade

New 'enterprise model' to deliver infrastructure schemes quicker and cheaper
7 days ago

Turkish insulation panel maker to build £45m UK factory

Assan Panel to open first UK plant at Freeport East
6 days ago

Expanding consultant Stantec swoops for Hydrock

Stantec UK business expands by a third as 950 staff join from Bristol-based engineer
6 days ago

Contractors wanted for £800m highways deal

Bids invited for Eastern Highways Alliance Framework 4
6 days ago

Galliford Try names group head of infrastructure

David Lowery promoted to Divisional Managing Director – Infrastructure.
6 days ago

Chigwell Group looks at stock market listing

Essex contractor registers as Public Limited Company
7 days ago

A57 Mottram Bypass clears final legal challenge

Balfour Beatty to get go-ahead to start shortly
7 days ago

100 jobs axed as Geoffrey Osborne confirms administration

Chairman Andrew Osborne calls it a 'sad day' as board loses fight for survival
1 week ago

Midgard set for Notting Hill office tower overhaul

Landmark project edges towards final approval after 10-year planning saga
7 days ago

Cumbrian civils firm clinches £40m Sellafield contract

Civils specialist Stobbarts will support McAlpine on groundworks and concrete
7 days ago

Designers named for London 2000-bed student rooms job

Bouygues will build £400m London School of Economics student scheme next to Tate Modern
7 days ago

£117m-turnover contractor files administration notice

ARJ Construction lodges court notice
1 week ago

£1bn London Blackfriars tower blocks approved

Trio of buildings rising to 45, 40 and 22 storeys approved by Southwark Council
1 week ago

Council decides to end Balfour deal after 13 years

Contractor has been maintaining roads across Herefordshire since 2013
1 week ago

Contractor services