(RINF) – Industry leaders have claimed that up to 3,150 construction workers could face unemployment if new Government legislation is introduced. The job cuts will predominantly affect small, privately owned UK businesses.
The proposed policy change includes the implementation of a maximum 32 tonne operating weight limit to all Volumetric concrete machines, which is worth an annual £210m to the UK economy.
“The Batched on Site Association works in close consultation with the Department for Transport to constantly improve the safety, service, and environmental footprint of the sector,” said Chris Smith, Chairman of the Batched on Site Association. “However, we have serious concerns about the Government’s current consideration to reduce the operating weight of these machines to 32 tonnes. This would significantly reduce capabilities to the point of putting the majority of operators out of business, threatening a £210m sector of the UK economy that has grown even in-spite of the recession, and currently accounts for an estimated 3,150 jobs. We welcome the proposal to improve the safety of the sector by implementing mandatory annual tests and routine inspections, something which the BSA’s members have been voluntarily carrying out.”