Oxfordshire-based Carmichael UK is lobbying construction industry bodies to have the Construction Skills Certificate Scheme (CSCS) altered to enable its Australian contractors to work in the UK.

Speaking at the launch of its new office in Thame, contracts manager Peter Laver told Recruiter: "To get a CSCS card (which all site workers are required to have), our candidates have to hold an NVQ or equivalent qualification but our Australian and New Zealand guys don't and they are often not in the country long enough to gain one. These guys are highly trained, so it's frustrating."

The CSCS card is used to prove that workers are competent and have health and safety awareness. The scheme is supported by organisations such as the Major Contractors Group, National Contractors Federation, Major Home Builders Group and Civil Engineering Contractors Association.

A spokesperson for CSCS told Recruiter that there are ways around the issue, including comparing overseas qualifications against the NVQ and on-site training.