High Speed Two Limited (HS2 Ltd) has released its Employee and Industrial Relations (EIR) Code of Practice (the Code), which brings significant advantages to Joint Industry Board (JIB) member companies looking to work on one of the most demanding and exciting transport projects in Europe.
HS2, Europe’s largest infrastructure project is expected to create 30,000 jobs and promises to create 2,000 apprenticeships while supporting the UK’s skills agenda. The Code has been developed in order to establish an Employee and Industrial Relations framework under which HS2, Tier Contractors and their supply chains will promote good employment practices and employee and industrial relations.
A recent webinar chaired by JIB CEO Jay Parmar discussed the approach to implementing Industrial Relations on HS2, why the JIB’s National Working Rule Agreements (NWRA) will play a vital role in the success of this project and the value which JIB members will add to such projects. Also participating in the webinar was John Whitefoot, Head of EIR at HS2, and Sylvia Cashman, Employee Relations Strategic Advisor for Mace Dragados, who provided a contractor’s perspective of working with HS2. The webinar can be viewed here.
HS2 is one of many high-profile projects that have required contractors to meet the terms and conditions set under the JIB collective agreement as a minimum as well as employ directly and promote apprenticeships and training.
SCS Railways was part of the team which authored the Code in support of HS2. Formed by Skanska Construction UK, Costain and Strabag, SCS Railways has won contracts on the Northolt Tunnels and Euston Tunnels and Approaches. Peter Raza, Head of Employee & Industrial Relations at CSjv & SCS Railways, commented: “SCS Railways recognises the importance of high standards of employment on national infrastructure projects, such as HS2, to achieve and maintain harmonious employee and industrial relations.
“This Code of Practice sets out the need to recognise and comply with the industry benchmarks for qualifications and skills (such as through CSCS and partner schemes) and, crucially, terms and conditions and other benefits of employment contained in the JIB’s National Working Rule Agreements.”
The JIB works with some of the industry's largest and most respected clients to encourage the use of JIB member companies and the standards which underpin its members. In a recent membership survey, JIB membership being seen as a mark of quality was given as the top reason by companies joining the JIB in the past two years. Roger Horne, Head of Membership at the JIB, said: “JIB membership represents the gold standard for contractors who are looking to work on the UK's leading projects. Member companies, as part of their marked efforts on direct employment, skills development and employee health, are able to meet many of the requirements on matters such as physical and mental wellbeing, industry-recognised qualifications and tackling workforce inequality.”