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What does a construction labourer do on site?

Published: November 26, 2024

When applying for a CSCS card it’s important to apply for the appropriate card for the job you do on site.  

Changes are being made to the Labourer card from February 1st, 2025, designed to support the direction of travel emerging from the Building Safety Act, while addressing the current oversupply of the card and help ensure only those carrying out genuine labouring duties carry the card.   

But what does being a labourer involve and what are some of the more common labouring duties?  

A construction labourer is a worker who performs manual labour on construction sites to assist with the building or repairing of structures and/or cleaning of structures and sites:   

Tasks  

Construction labourers perform a variety of tasks, which can include:  

  • Moving materials and equipment   
  • Digging trenches   
  • Mixing and pouring concrete   
  • Mixing Mortar  
  • Cleaning up the site   
  • Assist with laying foundations   
  • Assist with preparing for and laying drainage  
  • Assist with building walls  
  • Maintaining records   
  • Ordering equipment   
     

How to apply for a CSCS labourer card

In this short video, we explain how to apply for a CSCS Labourer card online as an individual applicant.
Watch and subscribe via YouTube.com/@OfficialCSCS

Roles  

Construction labourers can work in several roles, including site preparation, loading materials, and tidying/cleaning the site. They may also support skilled tradespeople like electricians, plumbers, and bricklayers.  

Training  

While CSCS cards aren’t a legal requirement, most principal contractors and major housebuilders require those in construction occupations to have one. Holding the incorrect card for a person’s role may also see individuals refused access to site.  

All applicants for CSCS Labourer cards must have passed the CITB health, safety and environment test for operatives, or an approved alternative, and hold one of the qualifications listed on our site.  

It’s also important to remember that from February 1st 2025, on first application the Labourer card will reduce from five years to two years, with workers who continue in labouring roles able to renew for five years by providing evidence they are employed in a labouring role.

The accompanying CITB Health, safety, and environment test used for the initial two-year Labourer card application only will see its validity extended to three years, allowing it to be used for renewal.