Sharing a builder's breakfast in Basra

Now as a volunteer in the Territorial Army he is risking life and limb in war torn Iraq.

This is the latest installment of his diary of life in Basra published exclusively for the Evening News.

Working in the property management department ensures I spend every day working with local contractors.

I am embarrassed to say my Arabic hasn't progressed beyond basic greetings, despite being handed a copy of a translator dictionary by one of the local engineers early in my tour. I could blame the pace of the work out here. But I know I should put in more effort.

Contractors working for us are paid in the desired US dollars. And those contractors fortunate enough to get in early and who are competent, are making their fortune.

There are no insurance policies for the workforce, no National Health Service, no unemployment benefit.

The owner of one of the major companies I've had the pleasure to work with provides all this to his workforce. Although when you first meet him he's unassuming, you soon find he commands great respect from his employees.

If you're injured on this owner's site he'll pay your hospital bill and salary until you can return to work.

When a member of his workforce gets married he assists with the costs. He's also been known to pay for moving house, building your house, and providing white goods and such.

His engineers have described this man as having a big heart.

I occasionally share their breakfast with them when they arrive for a day's work. It consists of Naan bread, cream, watermelon jam and very sweet tea.

The banter is largely the same you'd find on any UK construction site, although social barriers between the professions, skilled and semi-skilled workers are more evident.

On completing a recent $350k project, the owner handed me a 'gold' costume necklace, for my wife and for me to remember the project.

I won't forget the project, but I can't see my wife wearing the jewellery.

Regards,

Nick.