Migrant workers are part of construction’s DNA. In the UK and abroad, they have made up a substantial chunk of the industry’s labour force for as far back as most people can remember, and probably will for the foreseeable future.
But recently, concerns have grown about the treatment of these workers who underpin the delivery of major construction projects around the globe.
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Against this backdrop, the CIOB, which previously highlighted the issue of modern slavery at its 2014 members’ forum in Qatar, has produced a new study – or toolkit – which aims to root out the exploitation of migrant workers in the construction supply chain.
Building A Fairer System: Tackling modern slavery in construction supply chains investigates the root causes of modern slavery, looking particularly at labour and materials supply, where worker abuses often occur. It also highlights examples of good practice.
“Global trends towards outsourcing and the deepening of complex supply chains makes it easier for worker abuses to be ignored or remain hidden,” says the study’s author, construction journalist Emma Crates.
“And while much media focus and criticism has been directed toward the Arab world, it must be noted that exploitation can be found in many regions, including those that pride themselves on superior human rights records, including Europe and North America.”
Some companies have taken their heads out of the sand and decided to do something about the problem.
Paving supplier Marshalls was shocked at the “blatant” maltreatment of workers in quarries in the Indian state of Rajasthan, where it sourced sandstone. Children as young as six were employed. Marshalls has since introduced stricter controls into its supply chain and is working with UNICEF to create a regulatory framework to eliminate child labour in the quarrying industry.
It is to the great credit of Marshalls that it acknowledged there was a problem, and took decisive action. Not all construction companies may be comfortable taking a close look at their supply chains, particularly in today’s global industry – but it is becoming an issue that is hard to ignore.
As the institute’s new president Paul Nash says: “In today’s globalised industry, being a construction professional is very different to 20 years ago.”
Will Mann, acting editor
