CONSTRUCTION companies working on council-funded projects in Dudley are being asked to sign up to a charter promising stringent health and safety and employment practices.

Cabinet members are expected to pass a recommendation that requires contractors to abide by high standards of work, training and terms and conditions on local authority financed sites.

The charter will require builders to show they abide by health and safety rules, work closely with trade unions and, along with the council, provide apprenticeships to address skills shortages.

The conditions will apply to construction companies, their sub-contractors and companies supplying materials and services.

Alan Lunt, Dudley's strategic director of place, in his report recommending the charter, said: “The council is committed to ensuring that its construction and civil engineering contracts are undertaken to the highest standards in accordance with best practice with regards to the health and well-being, safety, employment status and terms of employment for construction operatives employed by its contractors, sub-contractors and suppliers.”

If passed, it will be signed by council leader Cllr Qadar Zada, who said: “As a council, we are responsible for the procurement of a large amount of construction projects.

“It is therefore appropriate that we, as a responsible client, enter into this agreement and commit to working with the appropriate trade unions, in order to achieve the highest standards.

“The council recognises that through construction and civil engineering contracts it has the opportunity to promote economic growth across the borough and deliver training and employment opportunities.”

The charter will be discussed by cabinet members at their meeting tonight (Wednesday March 20).