ON BEHALF of all our members at the Freelancer and Contractor Services Association (FCSA), I was dismayed to learn that the Welsh Assembly has banned the use of umbrella employers for its construction projects.

Whilst I understand that this is a procurement decision, I hope that it was not simply a knee-jerk reaction to union lobbying.

Umbrella employment is a positive choice for many and I am going to contact the Welsh Assembly ministers concerned to ensure that they appreciate the benefits of this type of employment and have not simply been influenced by union misunderstandings.

I am also keen to further my talks with the Union of Construction, Allied Trades and Technicians (UCATT), which clearly has some misconceptions about the role of umbrella employers.

We need to open up the lines of communication so that all those involved give proper consideration about what is right for projects and its workers.

As a trade association for the umbrella sector, we want to work with all the political parties and unions to ensure that good practice is the norm and stamp out bad practice where it exists.

All FCSA members adhere to a strict code of conduct and we are committed to ridding the industry of its cowboys as well as promoting umbrella employment as a viable and positive choice for the hirer and the worker.

Julia Kermode, CEO, FCSA