CITB–ConstructionSkills and CSCS are in a contractual stand-off over the introduction of smart card technology to the industry’s skills card scheme.

The dispute centres on a “change control order” sent by CSCS to the CITB, which runs the scheme on its behalf. The order confirms that CSCS wishes to alter its contract with the CITB so that it can go ahead with a smart card scheme.

But CITB-Constructionskills has not responded to the order.

A source said: “It wants to drag it out. Each day that goes by, it gets more money from the current scheme. It doesn’t want a smartcard if someone else does it.”

CSCS is thought to be searching for a dedicated smartcard provider to deliver the new cards.

The CITB declined to comment.

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