Fraudulent timesheets and illegal workers are widespread in the construction industry, according to a survey carried out by The Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB).

Out of a total of 1,400 construction professionals, 744 companies said they thought the construction industry was very corrupt in the production of fraudulent timesheets. Another 442 thought the industry to be moderately corrupt.

When asked about the use of illegal workers, 733 of the respondents said they thought the industry was very corrupt and 454 said it was moderately corrupt.

However, recruiters working in the sector do not support the reports’ findings. Trevor Rees, managing director of Knap Consulting and chairman of the REC’s construction group, told Recruiter: “In 20 years in the industry, I have only come across two or three example of fraudulent timesheets. It’s not prevalent, but I do know of some large projects where it has been a problem because there has been room for things to go on.

“To ensure it doesn’t happen, companies should seek out REC members,” said Rees.

Mark Tully, managing director of NES International, says corruption is not something it sees during its day-to-day operations.

Tully suggests the corruption can be overcome by developing effective policies.

“Corruption within the UK building industry really can be eradicated providing that companies adopt recruitment practices to support this. Obviously from our perspective, this involves working with a reputable recruitment partner to ensure that company policies and procedures make the employment of illegal migrant workers and the submission of inaccurate timesheets a near impossibility,” Tully added.

Following the survey the CIOB has recommended that clear definitions of corruption and corrupt practices are drawn up and communicated to the industry.