Direct employment
Direct employment (sometimes called direct labour) is a situation in which an organisation employs operatives directly rather than relying on sub-contractors or self-employed operatives. For example, a contractor may employ bricklayers themselves, rather than subcontracting out bricklaying to another organisation. It is quite common for local authorities to have their own direct labour department to undertake building work and to pay their wages.
Civil Engineering Procedure, 7th edition, published by the Institution of Civil Engineers, defines the term ‘direct labour’ as: ‘A promoter’s (client’s) own employees employed on construction, sometimes under the internal equivalent of a contract, otherwise as a service department.’
Britain emerged from the Second World War with a construction industry dominated by very large contractors that had grown from war time work and were rebuilding a country ravaged by the Blitz. Wimpey were the biggest of these contractors, directly employing most of the labour necessary to execute its projects. Taylor Woodrow, even with half the annual turnover of Wimpey, employed 40,000 people.
Today however, as buildings have become more complex, it is less and less likely that any one contractor will have the required skills to carry out all of the works necessary to construct them, and it does not make good commercial sense to take on new employees for one project that would then have to be laid off for the next. Increasingly therefore, contractors use sub-contractors to carry out particular elements of the works.
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings
Featured articles and news
RTPI leader to become new CIOB Chief Executive Officer
Dr Victoria Hills MRTPI, FICE to take over after Caroline Gumble’s departure.
Social and affordable housing, a long term plan for delivery
The “Delivering a Decade of Renewal for Social and Affordable Housing” strategy sets out future path.
A change to adoptive architecture
Effects of global weather warming on architectural detailing, material choice and human interaction.
The proposed publicly owned and backed subsidiary of Homes England, to facilitate new homes.
How big is the problem and what can we do to mitigate the effects?
Overheating guidance and tools for building designers
A number of cool guides to help with the heat.
The UK's Modern Industrial Strategy: A 10 year plan
Previous consultation criticism, current key elements and general support with some persisting reservations.
Building Safety Regulator reforms
New roles, new staff and a new fast track service pave the way for a single construction regulator.
Architectural Technologist CPDs and Communications
CIAT CPD… and how you can do it!
Cooling centres and cool spaces
Managing extreme heat in cities by directing the public to places for heat stress relief and water sources.
Winter gardens: A brief history and warm variations
Extending the season with glass in different forms and terms.
Restoring Great Yarmouth's Winter Gardens
Transforming one of the least sustainable constructions imaginable.
Construction Skills Mission Board launch sector drive
Newly formed government and industry collaboration set strategy for recruiting an additional 100,000 construction workers a year.
New Architects Code comes into effect in September 2025
ARB Architects Code of Conduct and Practice available with ongoing consultation regarding guidance.
Welsh Skills Body (Medr) launches ambitious plan
The new skills body brings together funding and regulation of tertiary education and research for the devolved nation.
Paul Gandy FCIOB announced as next CIOB President
Former Tilbury Douglas CEO takes helm.
UK Infrastructure: A 10 Year Strategy. In brief with reactions
With the National Infrastructure and Service Transformation Authority (NISTA).