18 July 2016
Millions of safe hours on 4LM
The Four Lines Modernisation (4LM) programme has hit three million hours without a RIDDOR*. This was confirmed after the Period 3 report, proving that 4LM continues to put safety first. The last RIDDOR took place back in period 8 2014/15, so it’s almost 18 months without a reoccurrence. 4LM is one of the projects being
12 July 2016
Ethical labour standard launch
Ciara writes: I was delighted to attend the launch of the Ethical Labour Standard earlier this month. BRE has developed this new standard to add to existing standards including ISO 6001 and SA8000, as well as the implementation of the Modern Slavery Act in UK law. Presentations were delivered by Jacqui Glass from Loughborough University,
12 July 2016
Why electronic payslips?
Elaine writes: I am the payroll manager for the VGC Group. I am responsible for running a weekly payroll for over 1,200 people working on sites across the UK. Over the last 12 months we have brought in electronic payslips. We are encouraging people to transfer over from paper payslips to electronic payslips. They have
5 July 2016
Key influencer introduction day
Ten workers who attended a key influencer introduction day last week were unanimous in their approval. The day served as an introduction to the longer key influencer course. Richard Wheeler, HSQE manager, discussed how behavioural safety can be used to encourage positive change. The key influencer course trains workers to help their peers to be
15 June 2016
Things to remember if you're recruiting
Matt writes: If you’re recruiting, remember: you need to be an attractive employer. The latest State of Trade Survey by Build UK (online pdf) describes how shortages are now intensifying among white collar staff. Contractors report problems recruiting supervisors, managerial, professional and technical staff. The main reasons stated for the difficulties in filling vacancies were
12 May 2016
Partnership supports trainees into rail career
We have offered primary sponsorship to twelve trainees from Newcastle College’s specialist rail academy. The agreement followed successful work experience arranged for the students during a blockade on the Tyne and Wear Metro. VGC operations manager Tommy Hunter managed the trainees on work for TxM on the Nexus £90 million Tyne and Wear phase 2
29 April 2016
Building a badger sett
Michael writes: We’ve been working on an unusual and rather interesting project – an artificial badger sett. As part of our works at Crossrail Anglia for principal contractor Costain, we were asked to install a sett for a colony of badgers. The existing sett was discovered next to the sidings at Shenfield where new track
5 April 2016
LSE's '1000 companies to inspire Britain'
VGC Group is included in the London Stock Exchange report ‘1000 companies to Inspire Britain’. This report identifies the UK’s fastest-growing and most dynamic small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). To be included in the list, companies needed to show consistent revenue growth over a minimum of three years. They have also all outperformed their sector
30 March 2016
Thanks for Easter works effort
Thank you to the many VGC workers who put in long hours over the Easter weekend. Most people spent the weekend hunting eggs, going to church, and spending time with family and friends. However, over 560 VGC team members were working full shifts to ensure planned works were successfully completed. The VGC team completed extensive
14 March 2016
National Apprenticeship Week 2016
This week (14 – 18 March) is National Apprenticeship Week. The week is co-ordinated by the National Apprenticeship Service – it is designed to celebrate apprenticeships and the positive impact they have on individual people, businesses and the wider economy. VGC has more than 50 apprentices working on NVQ level 2 and 3 placements across
26 January 2016
EGIP improves lives as well as Scotland’s rail links
The Edinburgh to Glasgow Improvement Programme (EGIP) is a £742 million investment to upgrade key Scottish rail infrastructure. At the same time, it is bringing new career opportunities to local people. Chris Turner, David Aikenhead and Robert Clark are among a group of new recruits who have started new long-term careers in rail with the
20 January 2016
Energy management system ISO 50001 confirmed
Following a stringent audit, VGC has achieved ISO 50001 certification. This certification means that we satisfy the legal requirements of ESOS, the Energy Savings Opportunity Scheme, which is mandatory for all large UK businesses. ESOS was introduced in the UK as a result of the European Commission’s Energy Efficiency Directive. This states that all EU
