The Considerate Constructors Scheme (CCS) abruptly dismissed 20 of its monitors, citing a downturn in the construction industry.
- Monitors, essential for site assessments, were informed via an impersonal email about their removal from service.
- CCS’s decision has sparked discontent among long-serving monitors, who criticised the abrupt and impersonal communication method.
- The industry downturn cited includes rising insolvencies and decreased site registrations, leading to reduced monitoring needs.
- CCS leadership acknowledged the poor handling of the situation, offering apologies and potential future work possibilities.
In a significant move, the Considerate Constructors Scheme (CCS) has terminated the services of 20 monitors, attributing this decision to the current decline in the construction sector. This development was disclosed by Construction News after an email, sent by Kevin Hutchinson—head of social impact at CCS—revealed the scheme’s ‘tough decision’ to cut back on personnel that oversee site inspections against the established Code of Considerate Practice.
The monitors, predominantly self-employed individuals with substantial industry experience, suddenly found their roles redundant as per the correspondence delivered the previous Monday, 3 June. The email cited the ongoing downturn in construction, evidenced by increased insolvencies and a fall in site registrations, as the primary reasons for this operational reduction. While the monitors were assured that any allocated site visits would be completed, their access to CCS’s internal systems was revoked, leaving many disheartened by this unexpected turn.
A particular monitor, who voiced their concerns to Construction News, expressed his dissatisfaction with the manner in which the dismissal was executed. He stated, ‘It was an extremely impersonal, generic email, and it was a blow. There are people there I have a relationship with who could have picked up the phone. I am disappointed with how it was done, it was not very considerate to say the least.’ This sentiment was echoed by others, with one stating he was ‘shocked’ by the communication’s lack of personal address and consideration, especially for an organisation that touts best practice and workforce value as part of its core principles.
Adding to the voices of disappointment, another monitor shared his bitter experience of receiving the email while on holiday. The monitors seemed unanimous in their conviction that a more humane approach should have been adopted, such as offering voluntary retirement or a heads-up about potential downtime, akin to the pandemic period. This has sparked a broader industry debate, posing questions about the future direction and current strategies of the CCS.
Acknowledging the backlash, Kevin Hutchinson admitted that the situation should have been handled with more sensitivity. ‘I do apologise for the way in which it was executed. I should have been more specific in what I said, and there’s a lesson to be learned for myself,’ he remarked, underlining a commitment to addressing queries and concerns from those affected. In light of this, CCS plans to reschedule a regular meeting with the monitors, offering them the choice to remain on a reserve list for future assignments if they wish.
Despite these reassurances, the underlying issue remains—the construction industry’s struggles continue to impact CCS’s operations. Jeff Lewis from CCS marketing highlighted that the drop in monitoring reflects the broader sectoral challenges and a decrease in construction activity. This sentiment resonates with the executive chair, Amit Oberoi, who commented, ‘The industry may be picking up… but there’s a massive lag’ before such improvements impact monitors’ workloads.
This episode underscores the pressing need for sensitivity and foresight in organisational communications amidst industry challenges.
