As part of the latest initiative to align with emerging safety standards and workforce needs, CSCS has announced that, starting 1st February 2025, the first Labourer card issued to an individual will only be valid for two years.
What Does This Mean for New Labourer Card Holders and the SICCS scheme?
For those applying for a SICCS Labourer card for the first time from 1st February 2025, the card will initially be valid for two years. After this period, if the individual is continuing in a labouring role, they’ll be eligible to renew the card for a full five-year period through the standard renewal process. This two-year restriction is designed to support new labourers entering the industry, ensuring those who hold the card are genuinely active in labouring roles.
If you currently hold a Labourer card, there’s no immediate impact. You’ll be able to renew for the usual five-year period when your current card expires, provided all renewal requirements are met.
Why is CSCS making these changes?
The decision aligns with the direction emerging from the Building Safety Act. By limiting the validity of first-time Labourer cards to two years, CSCS aims to address what it describes as “an oversupply of Labourer cards” and ensure that only individuals genuinely performing labouring duties hold this specific card
Who will be affected?
If you’ve previously held a Labourer card, you’ll be able to renew for the usual five-year term, provided you apply within a year of your previous card’s expiry date and submit evidence of your ongoing work in a labouring role. If your previous card expired over a year ago, you may need to submit an appeal with supporting documentation. The accompanying CITB Health, safety, and environment test used for the initial two-year card application only will see its validity extended to three years, allowing it to be used for renewal.
Can I use the same recognised alternative qualification when reapplying for a Labourer Card in two years’ time?
This depends on the validity period of your recognised alternative qualification and the timing of your application:
• Recognised alternatives with a five-year validity must have been completed within four years of submitting your application. This rule applies to both first-time Labourer Card applicants and those renewing or reapplying for a Labourer Card.
• IOSH Safety, Health and Environment for Construction Workers: This qualification is valid for three years and is accepted provided it is still within its three-year validity at the time of application.
The reduced timeframe (four years for five-year validity alternatives) ensures that applicants cannot renew their card near the end of its validity period using a course completed at the time of their original application. For example, without this rule, an applicant could renew their card 4.5 years in, using a course that remains technically valid but outdated in practical terms.
NAS members receive £10 off all SICCS cards. Click here to find out more.
