At the JIB we believe that directly employing operatives leads to improved productivity, a healthier workforce and a safer workplace. Safety within buildings and infrastructure depends on competent people doing the job right, first time. This is achieved through robust training, ongoing skills development and verification of industry-governed competence through the Electrotechnical Certification Scheme (ECS).
Causes of disruption and electrical failures are often linked to fragmented workforce models, inconsistent standards and shortfalls in competence. Such incidents can require costly reworks and may also result in fire and injury.
Evidenced by data
Analysis across more than 250,000 employee records and 5,000 companies, using JIB and ECS systems, demonstrates a clear link between direct employment, stronger workforce standards and better safety outcomes:
- Self-employed accident incidence rates are 2.4 times higher than direct employees
- JIB member companies achieve 74% apprentice completion rates, compared to a national average of 62%
- JIB member companies have 27% more Approved Electricians
- Teams within JIB member companies are 10% more likely to hold Level 3 qualifications
This reflects the value of stable employment models, structured training pathways and a culture of continuous competence.
Safer and more productive
Companies that directly employ their skilled workforce, deliver a more productive and safer environment through:
- Consistent skills development
- Clear accountability
- Higher competence standards
- Stronger safety culture
- Better quality and delivery outcomes
Skills and competence
ECS is a structured skills and competence verification platform which gives confidence to clients and the public that operatives are carrying out work safely, competently and to standards recognised by the industry. It allows JIB companies to demonstrate that they:
- Train properly
- Employ fairly
- Verify competence
- Maintain skills
- Enforce consistent standards.
The JIB has produced a comprehensive report on direct employment which highlights the negative impact the steady growth in non-direct, off-payroll working is having on the UK electrical contracting and construction industries. Download the full report here.
Clients can check if a firm is a JIB member company here.
Companies interested in finding out more about JIB membership can contact us here or email [email protected].
