Taylor Wimpey has asked about 50 joiners and scaffolders in north-east England to sign new contracts with reduced terms after a regular pay audit found they were earning nearly 25% more than comparable roles.
The difference was mainly driven by higher bonuses, according to the reported findings. The workers are directly employed by the housebuilder.
Unite has criticised the company’s approach. Greg Robson, a regional officer for the union, said Taylor Wimpey had “serious questions to answer” about how it had treated the workers. He said Unite would continue to support affected members, press the company for information the union is entitled to, and examine all avenues to fight the change, including industrial action.
Taylor Wimpey said the review formed part of a regular benchmarking exercise. It identified a small number of direct labour roles in its North East business where current terms and conditions were 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. A grievance has been raised in line with the Construction Joint Industry Council Working Rule Agreement.
Taylor Wimpey said it was committed to engaging fully with employees before a final resolution is reached, adding that a number of potential outcomes were still being considered. It also said it was committed to ensuring all employees are treated fairly and consistently across the business and throughout the process.