ABSTRACT
A regular practice is to use Labour Only Subcontractors tied to rates for formwork and steel fixing and to employ general operatives directly, who are usually more amenable, and for whom continuity of work is easier to find. In the UK there is the beginning of a move back towards directly employed labour for bulk standard operations by Contractors who have a spread of continuous operations across particular regions. Agreement by the labour force is contingent on the spirit of the agreement being fully implemented. By turning savings on plant, staff, service, labour and site establishment into increased bonus payments he can assume timely completions in what would otherwise be difficult circumstances. Alterations of classifications should be done well in advance so that the legitimate objective of a balanced labour force is achieved without disruptive accusations of favouritism and wrongful selection for redundancy, which could form the basis of a tribunal action.
