Taylor Wimpey has asked around 50 directly employed joiners and scaffolders in the North East of England to sign new contracts on reduced terms, after a routine pay audit found their earnings were close to 25% higher than those of comparable roles.
The difference was attributed mainly to larger bonus payments rather than to basic rates, according to reporting on the case. The review covered workers employed directly by the house builder rather than through subcontractors, and the company characterises the affected group as a small number of direct labour roles.
Unite regional officer Greg Robson said the company needed to explain how it had handled the affected workers. He said the union would keep supporting its members through the process, would press Taylor Wimpey for the information it is entitled to, and was examining every route available to resist the change, including industrial action.
Taylor Wimpey said the review formed part of a regular benchmarking exercise at its North East business, which identified a small number of direct labour roles whose terms and conditions sat 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, the employment arbitration service.
The house builder said a grievance has since been raised in line with the Construction Joint Industry Council Working Rule Agreement. It said it is committed to engaging fully with employees before a final resolution is reached, and that a number of potential outcomes remain under consideration as part of that process.
The company added that it intends to ensure all employees are treated fairly and consistently across the business and throughout the exercise. No timetable for a final outcome has been set out.