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Understanding the New CSCS Grandfather Rights Changes: What It Means for Construction Professionals from January 2025

  • Publish Date: Posted 3 days ago
  • Author:by Lizzie Gregory

​As a recruitment agency specialising in construction, we recognize that the upcoming CSCS (Construction Skills Certification Scheme) changes to “grandfather rights” will significantly impact many of the professionals we work with. For those who entered the industry before formal qualifications were standard practice, this change may feel like a shake-up, but it’s also an opportunity to strengthen and standardize skills across the sector. Here’s a breakdown of what’s happening, why it matters, and how it might affect job opportunities.

What Are CSCS Grandfather Rights?

Historically, CSCS provided “grandfather rights” to experienced workers who may not have formal qualifications but who demonstrated competence through years of on-site experience. This allowed skilled workers to obtain a CSCS card based on their experience and time in the industry rather than needing a formal qualification. However, the Grandfather Rights scheme is set to phase out completely by January 2025, in alignment with CSCS’s commitment to upskill and standardize the construction workforce.

Key Impacts of the 2025 Grandfather Rights Phase-Out

  1. Increased Demand for Formal Qualifications
    After January 2025, construction professionals previously granted a CSCS card under grandfather rights will need a recognized qualification to renew or obtain a CSCS card. This shift means many experienced workers without formal qualifications will now need to pursue relevant certifications, such as NVQs or other industry-recognised qualifications, to maintain their eligibility.

  2. Implications for Recruitment
    With the phase-out of grandfather rights, we anticipate increased demand for qualified tradespeople. As a recruitment company, we’ll be focusing on sourcing candidates who either hold the required qualifications or are actively working toward them. This change could create temporary challenges in filling roles, as previously eligible candidates may not meet the new requirements, prompting more companies to support employee training initiatives.

  3. Upskilling and Career Advancement Opportunities
    While the immediate need to obtain qualifications may feel like a barrier for some, it also represents an opportunity. Workers gaining new qualifications can leverage these to secure higher-level roles and demonstrate enhanced expertise to potential employers. For recruiters, this is a unique chance to source candidates with a verified skill set that reflects current industry standards.

  4. Enhanced Industry Standards and Site Safety
    This shift will ultimately enhance safety and productivity across sites, as all workers will be required to meet a recognized skill level. By ensuring that everyone holds a standard qualification, CSCS is helping create a safer, more efficient workforce, which benefits employers, recruitment agencies, and construction workers alike. As companies focus on maintaining high standards, this move reinforces the value of a properly trained workforce, especially on complex projects.

Preparing for the Transition

If you’re a construction worker affected by these changes, now is the time to start pursuing the necessary qualifications. Some employers may support this process by offering training or funding for employees seeking to upskill, especially as the 2025 deadline approaches. From a recruitment perspective, we are working to support candidates by providing guidance on required qualifications and helping them explore training resources to meet the new standards.

Moving Forward

As a recruitment construction company, we are committed to helping both our clients and candidates navigate these regulatory changes. By prioritizing workers who meet the new requirements, we can help employers build a skilled, competent, and safe workforce. The phase-out of grandfather rights represents a positive step forward in elevating the construction industry’s standards—strengthening not only individual careers but also the quality and safety of construction across the UK.

We’re here to support candidates on this journey and to help businesses access the best, most qualified talent in the industry. If you have any questions or need assistance in obtaining your CSCS card, please reach out to our team.