From 1 October 2026, the way utilities workers prove their competence on site has changed. EUSR, the CSCS Alliance Partner for the utilities sector, no longer issues SHEA automatically on the EUSR CSCS Green Labourer card. Your SHEA registration and your CSCS card are now two separate things, and you need both.
What has changed
Until now, many utilities workers held a Green Labourer card that carried their SHEA registration. That link has been removed. In EUSR's words, SHEA is your health and safety requirement, and the EUSR CSCS card is your competence card for your job role.
- 3 August 2026: the new EUSR CSCS Utilities Labourer card launched.
- 1 October 2026: SHEA stopped being issued automatically on the Green Labourer card.
Which card do you need?
The principle is simple: the card should match the job you actually do.
- Labourers need the new Utilities Labourer card plus a valid SHEA registration.
- Skilled workers, such as cable jointers, overhead linespersons, substation fitters, drainage network operatives and smart meter installers, need a Skilled Worker card. That requires a Level 2 qualification or above, or an equivalent competence requirement set by USRO, plus valid SHEA.
- Apprentices, trainees and experienced workers need the matching card type plus valid SHEA.
At the time of writing, EUSR lists the Utilities Labourer card at £18 and Skilled Worker cards at £24, both including VAT. Apprentice cards are virtual and free.
What about existing cards?
Green Labourer cards already issued stay valid until they expire, and cards issued before 30 September 2026 keep the CSCS logo. If you work as a labourer, you can keep using your current card until then. If you're in a skilled role but holding a labourer card, you'll need the correct skilled card, or you risk being refused site access.
Employer endorsement is no longer an alternative to a qualification. Industry Accreditation ended in December 2024.
What to do now
If you're a worker: check that your card matches your role, and keep your SHEA registration in date. SHEA Gas lasts five years and the other SHEA schemes three, so make a note of your renewal date.
If you employ or manage teams: make sure your people understand that SHEA no longer comes bundled with the labourer card, check which roles need skilled cards, and plan SHEA training and renewals so nobody's site access lapses.
How we can help
We deliver SHEA Core, Gas, Power and Water, National Water Hygiene and SHEA refreshers online, with in-house sessions for groups of up to 12. If you're not sure what your team needs under the new rules, get in touch or see our EUSR courses.
Source: EUSR, CSCS Alliance Partner.
