Ucatt has welcomed calls from Scottish Labour MSP Neil Findlay for an investigation into workers being paid low wages on the Forth Crossing project.

The union claims Portuguese sub-contractor Sosia, who is helping to deliver the major infrastructure project, are paying joiners £7.67 per hour and labourers £6.32 per hour.

However, the Construction Joint Industry Council (CIJC) agreement stipulates joiners should receive £11.61 an hour and labourers £8.73 an hour.


Ucatt said the Forth Crossing Bridge Company has denied these rates are being paid, but has not offered any evidence to support their claims.

Mr Findlay has now raised a motion in Holyrood calling for the Scottish Government to begin a pay audit on the entire project.

Steve Dillon, Regional Secretary for UCATT Scotland, said: "The Forth Crossing project is bringing not only the Scottish construction industry into disrepute but also the Scottish Government. How difficult is it to do a job of work properly and fairly?

"This country prides itself on common sense and fairness – so now the Scottish Government needs to show some. We welcome Neil Findlay’s motion and now call on the Scottish Government to audit this listing project before it starts sinking under a tide of infamy."

(LM/MH)