Groundworkers for London and the inside of the M25
London groundworks is defined by what is already under the ground. Utility congestion in the inner boroughs means most of the drainage and dig work we staff is done under permit, with CAT and Genny scanning, hand-dig zones over services and statutory undertaker attendance. The operatives we send to central sites are the ones who are patient with that regime rather than the fastest diggers we have.
Basement and podium work is the other London constant. Deep dig, capping beams, piling mat maintenance and drainage under a slab all demand groundworkers who are comfortable working around live plant in a confined footprint, alongside a slinger or banksman, and under a Tier 1 lift plan. We check confined-space tickets specifically for this work rather than taking the card at face value.
Mobilisation is helped by the sheer size of the London pool, but hindered by inductions — several of the major contractors run a half-day process. If your programme is tight, tell us the induction slot when you book so we can get operatives through it in the morning and on the tools the same afternoon instead of losing a full day.
Every groundworker is checked before they reach your gate
Vetting is done before we put someone forward, not after you have inducted them. The evidence sits in our compliance pack and we will send it for your PQQ.
CSCS card verified
Checked live against the register. Blue Skilled Worker for a skilled groundworker; Green Labourer only where you have briefed us that semi-skilled is acceptable.
NVQ Level 2 Construction Operations
Confirmed for skilled groundworkers, with drainage, kerbing or concrete pathways noted separately.
Right to work
Originals or share code checked in person, with expiry tracking so nobody works past a visa end date.
Confined space and safe digging
Where the job needs it — deep drainage, chambers and manholes — we confirm the ticket, not just the claim.
Two site references
Called directly and asked about reliability in bad weather and whether the operative can be left to run a length of drainage unsupervised.
- —CSCS Blue Skilled Worker
- —NVQ Level 2 Construction Operations (Drainage / Kerbs / Concrete)
- —Confined space (medium risk) where required
- —Abrasive wheels
- —Safe digging / CAT and Genny awareness
- £10m Employer's Liability
- £5m Public Liability
- £2m Professional Indemnity
- Full compliance pack available for PQQ and supply chain onboarding
What groundworkers cost
Rates depend on trade, tickets, site location, duration and volume. Request our current rate card or call 020 7870 8171 for a quote on your requirement.
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What to tell us when you call
Six answers and we can price it and start searching on the same call.
- 01
What element: drainage, kerbing and slabbing, concreting, foundations, or general muckaway support.
- 02
Depths involved and whether confined-space or shoring tickets are needed.
- 03
Whether you need a ganger to run the crew or you are supervising directly.
- 04
Plant on site and whether you need a banksman or slinger to work alongside.
- 05
Start date, duration, hours, and whether the job is weather-dependent.
- 06
Site postcode, welfare and parking, and who runs the induction.
Working with groundworkers in London
- Permit-controlled dig, hand-dig zones and utility avoidance experience
- Basement, podium and piling-mat groundworks covered
- Operatives placed around Tier 1 half-day induction slots
Also hiring elsewhere? We cover the whole of London, the M25 and the South East — see our coverage map or the London recruitment hub.
Most sites need more than one trade
We staff the whole package rather than a single line on your requirement, so one call covers the gang.
Hiring groundworkers — frequently asked
Need groundworkers in London?
Tell us the requirement and we will come back with availability, rates and compliance evidence. Out-of-hours calls are answered.
Looking for groundwork jobs instead? See groundworker vacancies