Figures compiled by the Safety Schemes in Procurement Forum (SSIP) highlight savings made by cross-recognition between health and safety supply chain assessment schemes.

That reduces the need for clients to re-check suppliers’ details or to specify a particular assessment scheme, and for contractors to fill in numerous health and safety questionnaires.

Eleanor Eaton, chair of SSIP said: “We have known for some time that SSIP saves the supply chain tens of millions of pounds annually. Our metrics have enabled us to home in on the extent of these savings, and we expect them to increase annually.”

Paull Reeve, deputy chairman of SSIP and ECA’s director of Business said:  “These figures show SSIP is making a real contribution to reducing excessive health and safety pre-qualification.

“It’s a huge burden on the supply chain, and we look forward to further action by SSIP scheme members to reduce unnecessary costs to buyers and suppliers.”