Geneva (ILO News) - The International Labour Organization (ILO) and the International Organisation of Employers (IOE) have launched a new resource to help companies in the construction sector in the Middle East to develop internal policies and procedures that support their adherence to national and international laws and standards.

The ILO-IOE Guidance Tool for Construction Companies in the Middle East considers ways in which all workers in the supply chain – including subcontracted workers or those employed by labour supply companies – can be protected. It covers a range of practical topics including fair recruitment, protecting workers’ health and safety, ensuring reasonable labour accommodation and preventing wage delays.

In the face of shifting labour market trends within both the Middle East region and the construction sector, the ILO and IOE have noted that specialized resources can be helpful in supporting companies to implement good practice. The Tool is a practical and flexible document which sets out how different actors in the supply chain can potentially influence protection at work, whilst also providing direct ideas for practical implementation by construction companies, through easy-to-use checklists. The document is not intended as an exhaustive, comprehensive summary of all relevant standards, but rather a concise summary with links to further resources.

Companies in the construction sector (including members of Building Responsibly, a global industry initiative) were integrally involved in the development of the Guidance Tool to ensure that content was relevant and practical to the sector.

The Guidance Tool is of particular use to the following groups of companies:

1. large or multinational companies with global value chains; and
2. small and medium-sized companies that sit within such value chains and are seeking to strengthen their own efforts towards protection at work.

Other types of actors such as clients, financial institutions, recruitment agents or labour supply companies, may also find the content, and links to additional resources, useful in their operations.

Secretary-General of the International Organization of Employers (IOE) Roberto Suarez Santos stated: "The IOE is delighted to present this material for the use of Employers in the construction sector to assist them in better addressing protection at work. This concise Guidance Tool demonstrates that improving protection at work has a number of benefits including increased productivity and competitiveness”.

ILO Regional Director for Arab States, Dr Ruba Jaradat, added: “Given the challenges faced when employing a large number of migrant workers, including ensuring fair recruitment, occupational safety and health and accurate and timely payment of wages, this Tool is a practical resource which can provide much-needed guidance to companies in the Middle East.”

The Guidance Tool will form the basis of further engagement with construction companies in the Middle East, including collaboration with Employers’ Organizations in the region.