Taylor Wimpey’s North East business has asked around 50 joiners and scaffolders to sign new contracts on reduced terms after a regular pay audit found they were earning nearly 25% more than comparable roles. The difference was mainly attributed to higher bonuses.
The workers are directly employed. Unite has criticised the move. Greg Robson, a regional officer for the union, said Taylor Wimpey had serious questions to answer about how it had treated the workers. Unite said it would continue to support affected members, press the company for information it is entitled to and examine all avenues to fight the change, including industrial action.
Taylor Wimpey said the review formed part of a regular benchmarking exercise. It identified a small number of Direct Labour roles whose current terms and conditions were significantly ahead of comparable rates and required review. The company said the consultation process had been concluded fairly and openly, and that it had consulted ACAS.
A grievance has been raised in line with the Construction Joint Industry Council Working Rule Agreement. Taylor Wimpey said it was committed to engaging fully with employees before a final resolution and that a number of potential outcomes were still being considered. It also said it was committed to ensuring all employees were treated fairly and consistently across the business and throughout the process.
The dispute remains unresolved, with the company saying the grievance process will continue.