FIS responds to review on ban on combustible materials in cladding

Guidance for FIS Members on Insurance and COVID-19 supplied by Cobra Insurance

You can reserve your place here

To help contractors working away from home find local accommodation: Build UK has temporarily repurposed its Open Doors website. There are now 340 providers listed offering 22,000 beds.

Optimising your CITB Return: If you want to book an FIS Skills Funding Clinic to help you to look at how you can optimise this support, simply email the FIS at info@thefis.org

FIS Webinars (listen again)

For a full list, click here

FIS COVID-19 Update – 11 June 2020

Dear All,

The First Minister has announced today that the construction sector will be now be allowed to move to Phase 2 in its restart plan from today provided that businesses follow guidance on the safety and welfare of the workforce and the public. This will include work carried out in domestic properties. This announcement is in line with the industry-agreed six-step phased model for the return of the construction sector:

Phase 0: Planning
Phase 1: Covid-19 Pre-start Site prep
Phase 2: ‘Soft start’ to site works (only where physical distancing can be maintained)

This phase begins when the site preparations are complete and when it is safe to do so in line with public health advice. It will consist of a progressive return of a proportion of the original workforce to ensure that extended inductions, including site tours to explain the new arrangements for hygiene and physical distancing, are able to be carried out.

The health and safety of the workforce is of paramount interest to the sector and there will be a phased return of a proportion of the workforce, brought back in “batches” to allow a high supervisor to worker ratio. This will allow extended inductions and site tours to familiarise the workforce with the new arrangements and allow time for those to become “the new normal.”

As explained above, the number of workers able to return will depend upon the space available on site (both external areas and floorplates, if a building) and the welfare facilities that have been provided. Contractors will have to adjust their site facilities and work planning to ensure that physical distancing requirements are able to be met at each stage. During this phase, due to the shortage of medical style PPE supply, only work that can be carried out within physical distancing parameters or using protective barriers, will be carried out. Risk assessment approaches will still be used to control the hazard of Covid-19 but if this shows that close working is still required and that protective barriers would be ineffective, that work will not be carried out until supplies of medical style PPE are restored to normal. This means that some tasks will not be able to be carried out, although the industry will make strenuous efforts to develop innovative ways of completing critical tasks, working within the new parameters.

Phase 3: Steady state operation (only where physical distancing can be maintained)
Phase 4: Steady state operation (where physical distancing can be maintained and/or with PPE use)
Phase 5: Increasing density/productivity with experience

The latest announcement, moving to Phase 2 of the plan provides an opportunity for businesses to return to site work on a “soft-start” basis. It also allows businesses to undertake all forms of work in domestic properties.

Full details of the phased plan are available here.

Further details to support H&S are provided in the FIS H&S Toolkit Here. This includes specific site operating procedures for Scotland and excellent additional advice developed through the CICV Forum and the FIS COVID 19 H&S Task Group. FIS has also developed a Restart Risk Management Checklist for members here which has also been updated today in line with new advice available on what to do if a worker exhibits symptoms.

Best of luck with the return to work and if we can help in any way, please don’t hesitate to get in contact.

Iain

Iain McIlwee

CEO: Finishes and Interiors Sector
M: 07792 959 481 E: iainmcilwee@thefis.org

FIS COVID-19 Update – 2 June 2020

Dear All,

The Construction Leadership Council, yesterday, published the Roadmap to Recovery, a 3-phase strategy for restarting the industry, adjusting to the new normal, and then reinventing a better industry that can deliver the challenges we face in relation to net zero carbon, spreading prosperity across the UK and improving industry productivity and performance.

Productivity is our immediate priority and the results of our recent survey were discussed in our fortnightly Board meeting yesterday. Due to the nature of and environment in which we work, we face a greater potential challenge than other parts of construction. Over the coming weeks we will be working with the new CLC Group established to look at Productivity and with members to understand the impact of changes on the finishes and interiors sector. Our aim will be to help assess this impact on individual businesses against a collective norm and to try and minimise the contractual fall-out that may result as cash tightens over the summer (see details of changes to Furlough below).

If you would like to get involved in this work, let me know and, in the meantime, just to remind we have developed a pretty comprehensive contract review tool and supporting resources here). Please remember to keep feeding in any concerns you have with particular contractors, whether it be resistance to allowance for the impact of COVID or other obstructive behaviour. One example I received yesterday involved a main contractor trying to use the cashflow situation to encourage a member to accept a payment well below the Final Account figure in return for early release of retention. We have also had reports of refusal to acknowledge future rise from pandemic in contracts. Information is anonymised and used in discussions with CLC and Ministers to ensure that pressure is brought to bear. We would also encourage members to sign the CLC Endorsed Conflict Avoidance Pledge here (if our members have signed, it is easier for me to point to the businesses that haven’t).

Finally just a reminder that our Directory has been extended to include COVID-19 related products and services, reflecting that some members have adapted their offering to support companies in COVID-securing spaces. If you are doing any work in this area and want to get it promoted through our directory, email clairmooney@thefis.org for more details.

All the best,

Iain

Iain McIlwee
CEO: Finishes and Interiors Sector
M: 07792 959 481 E: iainmcilwee@thefis.org

Upcoming Webinars

CICV Organised webinar – Cashflow and Contracts Webinar
This week’s Webinar looks at payment and cash flow issues, before and after COVID-19 including

the contractual and financial implications of site suspensions and start-ups;
how construction businesses should protect their commercial positions more efficiently;
fast track methods of dispute resolution.

Construction Products Testing Workshops
Following the results of its recent survey, CPA is organising a series of online workshops, which will be held on the 9 and 11 of June. There will be four two- hour sessions, each focusing on a different theme. If you would like to take part, please register for tickets based on your availability to attend, this will enable CPA to provide you with more information on each session as this becomes available. Please register your interest through the CPA Eventbrite page.

Latest Updates

The Construction Leadership Council Publishes a Roadmap to Recovery – Roadmap to Recovery is a strategy to drive the recovery of the construction and built environment sectors, and through them the wider UK economy, following the Covid19 pandemic and economic downturn.

Temporary relaxation of the enforcement of the GB drivers’ hours rules: all sectors carriage of goods by road – Based on the current evidence, the relaxation of the GB domestic drivers’ hour rules will continue until 23:59 on Sunday 14 June 2020.

Chancellor unveils changes to the Furlough Scheme – From 1 July 2020, businesses will be given the flexibility to bring furloughed employees back to work part time. Wages for days worked will be the responsibility of the employer, but the scheme will continue for days when work cannot be provided.

From August 2020, the level of UK Government grant provided through the job retention scheme will be slowly tapered to reflect that people will be returning to work. That means that for June and July the Government will continue to pay 80% of people’s salaries. From August, Government will continue to make the 80% contribution, but responsibility for paying employer National Insurance (ER NICS) and pension contributions for all furloughed employees will fall to the employer. In September and October Government contributions will taper by 10% per month, but crucially, individuals will continue to receive 80% of salary covering the time they are unable to work (up to the cap of £2,500).

New Scottish Construction Policy Note (CPN 3/2020): Coronavirus (COVID-19): preparations for contracting authorities to restart the procurement and management of construction contracts. This policy note sets out matters for contracting authorities to consider when making preparations in readiness to implement procurement procedures for new projects and reopen public construction sites which are currently closed due to restrictions for mitigating COVID-19.

New Scottish Construction Policy Note (CPN 4/2020): Coronavirus (COVID-19): managing disputes and cashflow – This policy note sets out how contracting authorities can address the management of disputes held over from site suspension arising from COVID-19 and such matters emerging on any project upon restart.

New Welsh Workplace guidance for employers and employees: COVID19 – New Guidance for employers and employees to keep safe in the workplace during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic from the Welsh Assembly.

Apply for the coronavirus Local Authority Discretionary Grants Fund – details of a new grant to support small and micro businesses with fixed property costs that are not eligible for the Small Business Grant Fund or the Retail, Hospitality and Leisure Grant Fund may be eligible for the Discretionary Grants Scheme. To be eligible, a business must be based in England, have fewer than 50 employees, has fixed building costs such as rent and was trading on 11 March 2020 and has been adversely impacted by the coronavirus. You cannot apply if your business pays business rates.

Construction Products Testing Survey

FIS has responded to a recent MHCLG survey looking at what structure needs to be put in place around products that are considered safety crucial. In consultation with members, we have identified products, systems and issues likely to impact our members and requested to be able to represent the sector during the development of any new process and standards.

FIS responds to review on ban on combustible materials in cladding

Following consultation with its members, FIS has responded to the review on the use of combustible materials in cladding. A copy of the response is available here.

Template and Additional Resources

FIS COVID-19 Return to Work Risk Management Checklist

Guidance for FIS Members on Insurance and COVID-19 supplied by Cobra Insurance

The new guidance can be downloaded here.

To help contractors working away from home find local accommodation: Build UK has temporarily repurposed its Open Doors website. There are now 340 providers listed offering 22,000 beds.

Optimising your CITB Return: If you want to book an FIS Skills Funding Clinic to help you to look at how you can optimise this support, simply email the FIS at info@thefis.org

FIS Webinars (listen again)

Protecting your position in a new normal – Legal experts Emma Milham and David Rintoul of Hill Dickinson LLP take a look at managing some of the legal challenges associated with restarting construction.
Panel Session: Steering your business through the COVID-19 Restart
The economic outlook for construction, Dr Noble Francis, Economics Director, Construction Products Association
Vesting Certificates and how they can support Cash Flow
Top tips to deal with stress, anxiety and social isolation related to COVID-19 phenomenon
Contract Management, Avoiding Conflict and Dispute Resolution (and using the new FIS COVID-19 Toolkit Resources)
The Shape Of Recovery

For a full list, click here

FIS COVID-19 Update – 19 May 2020

Dear All

As anticipated following new Government Guidance published last week, the CLC Site Operating Procedures have been updated to incorporate a number of technical changes as a result of the new Government guidance published last week.

To save you a bit of time, the key changes are the revision of the specific reference for face‐to‐face contact to be kept to 15 minutes or less. Guidance now suggests that you minimise the frequency and time workers are within 2 metres of each other, that you minimise the number of workers involved in these tasks and suggest workers should work side by side, or facing away from each other, rather than face to face.

The section on PPE now links to the latest Government guidance on face coverings. We suggest that members refer to FIS Published Guidance to support the selection of PPE for additional support.

Other changes include references to one‐way systems and the reconfiguration of seating and tables and an update on portable toilets, the requirement to share risk assessments with the workforce and clarification on when to travel to work, as set out in the Government’s COVID‐19 Recovery Strategy.

On other matters, if you haven’t already, could you please complete our latest survey here – we are gathering information ahead of our meeting with the Construction Minister tomorrow.

I should note that these relate specifically to England although will support a return to work in other parts of the UK. FIS has had sight of new guidelines for Scotland and anticipate further announcements on the return to work in Scotland in the address from the first Minister on Thursday. In Northern Ireland we heard from the Executive yesterday that people who can’t work from home are encouraged to return to work. In Wales we have seen new announcements on testing that will support further opening up.

The topic of our Wednesday webinar tomorrow is steering your business through the restart. We have an excellent panel of speakers to support this workshop you can secure your spot here.

Any questions, comments or concerns, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.

All the best,

Iain

Iain McIlwee

CEO: Finishes and Interiors Sector
M: 07792 959 481 E: iainmcilwee@thefis.org

Upcoming Webinars

20 May 2020 Panel Session: Steering your business through the COVID-19 Restart FIS is joined by a panel of experts to help us to assess the risks associated with restarting and scaling back up. This will include a focus on cash, loans and the steps associated with unfurloughing.

Latest Updates

Official symptoms list for Employers updated to cover loss of taste and smell A loss or changed sense of taste or smell have been added to the NHS coronavirus symptoms list, alongside a cough and fever to ensure cases are not missed.

Everyone in Wales with symptoms can book a coronavirus test. Wales is joining a new UK-wide system for ordering home testing kits, in line with the Welsh Government’s Test Trace Protect strategy.

Government to accelerate Public Sector Works Build UK advised today that during latest industry conference call with Minister for Business and Industry Nadhim Zahawi last week, where he confirmed that the Government would be identifying public sector construction projects that could be brought forward or accelerated.

Isolation starts to ease in Northern Ireland new advice states Stay at home – only go outside for food, health reasons or work (but only if you cannot work from home)

Build UK is helping TfL to manage capacity and map future requirements on public transport as more people return to work. Working with our members, we have provided detailed information on over 120 large projects in London, the majority of which are operating staggered start and finish times and do not expect to reach full capacity until July at the earliest.

How do I go about unfurloughing and returning staff to the workplace? – Excellent guidance from the CIPD help you plan your organisation’s next steps following a period of furlough or once lockdown measures start easing is available here.

CITB is re-establishing Health, Safety and Environment Test operations in England. All Pearson Professional Centres in England will be operational from Monday 18 May. For those outside of England, there are a number of free products to help employers run their own in-house interim testing to give a level of local assurance that an employee is safe to work on their site.

Rapid scaling up of construction evident according to latest figures from Barbour ABI – Last week saw a further significant increase in open projects and a comparable decrease in delayed projects. Total open projects number 2,037 with a value of £75bn (£52bn excluding Hinkley Point). This is an increase of 493 projects and an increase value of £13.4bn.

Most of the increase has been in the residential sector. Out of the open projects, restarted projects number 961 and have a value of 30.5bn. This is a weekly increase of 285 projects and £10.3bn. The value of delayed projects has again reduced significantly over the week. We currently have identified 4,266 projects delayed with a value of with a value of £51.3bn.

Template and Additional Resources

Guidance for FIS Members on Insurance and COVID-19 supplied by Cobra Insurance

To help contractors working away from home find local accommodation: Build UK has temporarily repurposed its Open Doors website. There are now 340 providers listed offering 22,000 beds.

Optimising your CITB Return: If you want to book an FIS Skills Funding Clinic to help you to look at how you can optimise this support, simply email the FIS at info@thefis.org

FIS Webinars (listen again)

For a full list, click here

FIS COVID-19 Update – 13 May 2020

Dear All,

Following the positive announcement on the extension and modification of Furlough by the Chancellor yesterday there were another couple of positive announcements. Most notably for members in England working in the Housing Market, that house sales can resume. We also had positive news that Trade Credit Insurance will be supported by temporary reinsurance agreement. This should help to ease cashflow.

On less positive news the CBILS scheme has not been as effective as hoped and to date only 50% of loan applications have been accepted. We have been working with a number of members and ICAEW (who have developed this excellent advice to support applications) on this. So far, to our knowledge only a third of our members who have applied have been accepted, but this is changing daily. If you have been rejected for a loan, please get in touch so we can understand the barriers and work with you to see what more can be done. There are more positive signs from the Bounce Back Scheme. This topic will be covered in our weekly webinar next Wednesday.

There is growing concern about the number of disputes being stored up in Construction and this is reflected in our conversations with members. The latest CN survey has highlighted that 24% of respondents believe the pandemic is likely to lead to a contractual dispute with 4% stating legal action or another dispute process has already begun. We have updated our contractual toolkit to support members and included details of the new Dispute Resolution services that RICS is developing to try to accelerate the process should a formal dispute be necessary. Colleagues at Clarks Legal have also produced this excellent article on the likely impact of new Government and CLC guidance on disputes for SpecFinish.

It is encouraging to see so many members are adapting their business to support others in becoming COVID Secure, either through new products or services. To reflect this, FIS is expanding its website directory to now include products that its members provide specifically related to the fight against COVID-19. If members have products or services that contribute to providing a safe working environment please email details to clairmooney@thefis.org and we’ll get this added to your entry.

Finally, if members are struggling to source FFP2/FFP3 face masks, we are starting to get information through from potential suppliers, so do drop me a note we will try to connect you.

All the best,

Iain

PS if you are able to photograph, video or have produced examples of good H&S documentation, we are keen to share this through our H&S Best Practice Gallery

Iain McIlwee
CEO: Finishes and Interiors Sector
M: 07792 959 481 E: iainmcilwee@thefis.org

Upcoming Webinars

20 May 2020 Panel Session: Steering your business through the COVID-19 Restart A look at the current risks, loans, cashflow and how to start looking ahead with your business

Latest Updates

RICS Disputes Resolutions Service Launches Summary Adjudication – As the economic effect of the Covid-19 impacts severely on the construction industry, there are many contractors in the smaller end of the market who are struggling to access dispute resolution even under the reduced cost of Low Value Adjudication (LVD MAP) process. For a limited period initially until the end of July, as a specific response to the needs of the industry, RICS are now offering Summary Adjudication for claims below £20 000.

New HMG statistics show over £14 billion in loans have been issued as part of the coronavirus crisis support – This includes 268,000 Bounce Back Loans worth £8.3 billion (approval rate 74%, average loan £31,241), 36,000 loans worth over £6 billion (50% approval, average loan £169,660) through the Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme, and £359 million through the Coronavirus Large Business Interruption Loan Scheme. Experience from FIS is that to date only a third of firms who have applied for the CBILS loans from our sector have been approved to date. There has been similar more positive (anecdotal) news on the smaller Bounce Back Loans and there is further good news in that 14 new lenders have been added to the scheme, which will help to widen the reach.

Applications for Self-Employment Income Support Scheme open early – The government’s world-leading scheme to support the self-employed has today opened for claims.

Government to support businesses through Trade Credit Insurance guarantee –Businesses with supply chains which rely on Trade Credit Insurance and who are experiencing difficulties maintaining cover due to Coronavirus will get support from the government. This should be positive news for cashflow in the construction sector.

Housing Secretary sets out plan to re-start housing market – From today anyone in England can move home if they follow new guidance published by Housing Secretary Robert Jenrick. This should help to unlock the housing market in England.

Chancellor extends furlough scheme until October 2020 – The Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme will remain open until the end of October, the Chancellor announced today. The scheme will continue to apply across all regions and sectors in the UK economy. The scheme will continue in its current form until the end of July. Changes to allow more flexibility will come in from the start of August.

From the start of August, furloughed workers will be able to return to work part-time with employers being asked to pay a percentage towards the salaries of their furloughed staff. The employer payments will substitute the contribution the government is currently making, ensuring that staff continue to receive 80% of their salary, up to £2,500 a month.

More specific details and information around implementation will be made available by the end of this month.

More sites opening in England and Wales – With construction now being actively encouraged to return to work, Build UK Contractor members have reopened more sites, reporting this week that 77% of sites in England and Wales are open for business, up from 73% last week. 82% of infrastructure and construction projects are now running and output has remained consistent at 71%.

Members that include housing in their portfolios have reported a 13% increase in the number of housing sites now open, rising to 68% compared to 55% last week. Output has improved significantly and now stands at 53%, up from 29% two weeks ago.

Template and Additional Resources

Guidance for FIS Members on Insurance and COVID-19 supplied by Cobra Insurance

Top tips to deal with stress, anxiety and social isolation related to COVID-19 phenomenon

To help contractors working away from home find local accommodation: Build UK has temporarily repurposed its Open Doors website. There are now 340 providers listed offering 22,000 beds.

Optimising your CITB Return: If you want to book an FIS Skills Funding Clinic to help you to look at how you can optimise this support, simply email the FIS at info@thefis.org

FIS Webinars (listen again)

For a full list, click here

FIS COVID-19 Update – 28 April 2020

Dear All

At the FIS Weekly Board meeting last night we again reviewed progress and priorities for our COVID Response. Conversation is starting to move from hibernation to the hiatus stage with more and more sites opening. Across the UK this is at different stages. In England and Wales it is more immediate (see comments below from Matt Hancock MP), whilst in Scotland and Northern Ireland, it looks like another couple of weeks before the brakes are lifted by their respective Governments.

Last week, the main concerns were Contracts, H&S and Material Supply (see our latest survey results here). We have this week started to see light at the end of the tunnel in terms of material supply. Following some intense work across the sector to build a demand profile, we have seen light manufacturing returning in some of our key product areas (notably gypsum products) and distribution starting to scale up. With a staged return and reduced productivity based on new working practices, this means that we are likely to see blockages clear over the next few weeks. To assist here, Build UK have launched a survey to gather critical market data from the specialists, (responses being gathered to tomorrow lunchtime).

H&S is more complex. We have started to address through our new Four Step Protocol to Safe Working Systems and another iteration of our Task Assessment Tool. Beyond the basic principles of Start Safe, Site Safe, Task Safe and Home Safe, selection and sourcing of PPE is a big concern. We had a review meeting at the back end of the week and will continue to do what we can to refine information here in the vacuum that is currently being left by Public Health England and the HSE. Our thanks again to members in the distribution and H&S space who are supporting our efforts here.

The contractual situation for many is not easing and it was disappointing to hear more pay-less notices and a variety of delay tactics continuing to hold up cash flow through the sector over the last ten days. We have also started to hear of resistance to COVID clauses on new contracts, which is completely unacceptable. We will continue to feed our concerns on this through to the CLC and push for more direct support from Government.

Another key area of debate in our Board Meeting was the relatively low proportion of our community that have put in for the COVID Business Interruption Loans (less than 20%). These loans could be a vital lifeline as companies try to scale back up. Looking at cashflow projections, it is likely that, for many, even if we are successful in pulling in outstanding monies, the pinch will come in June and July. There are also concerns that supplier credit may be harder to come by. We continue to gather information and feed this in to the powers that be. So far it is a mixed picture, but there are some good deals out there, and the general consensus of our Board was that it would not hurt to apply for the facility “just in case”. As you will see in below the Chancellor has made new concessions that will hopefully reduce red tape and increase availability. If you are thinking of this option, please don’t hesitate to get in touch and we can talk you through what we know.

As ever, please do keep feeding in your problems, comments and suggestions. Take care and stay safe.

Iain

Iain McIlwee

CEO: Finishes and Interiors Sector

M: 07792 959 481 E: iainmcilwee@thefis.org

FIS Webinars

28.4.20 Midday

What causes stress and anxiety and what you can do to combat these emotions

We will explore the top tips you can implement instantly to counter these feelings

Tips for dealing with isolated workers

The role positive psychology plays in your state of well-being

From <https://www.thefis.org/project/mental-health/>

29.4.20 Midday

Vesting Certificates and how they can support cash flow

Many contractors or manufacturers have never considered the concept of vesting materials offsite. If you’ve got a tonne of cash tied up in product and materials that is in a factory and can’t be delivered due to delays to the programme, it could be a life saver.

Experienced QS Anthony Manson gives us insight into the what, who, how and when of vesting and how you can be paid for the material elements of a contract prior to the installation whilst at the same time protecting all parties.

Latest Updates

FIS Four Step Protocol to Develop Safe Systems of Work and the COVID-19 Pandemic 2020 developed to ensure that there is a COVID-19 risk assessment in place for the management of health and safety upon each project that prioritises safety, reducing the risk to workers and liability for individual companies. This supports the work our COVID-19 H&S Workgroup have already completed including our H&S Task Assessment Tool (updated 27.4.20).

FIS Survey Results reveal around 2/3rds still working, 75% of respondents fear Material Supply will hold up recovery and less than 20% have bothered with COVID Business Interruption Loans (CBILS).

The Chancellor today Bounce Back Loans scheme will allow businesses to borrow between £2,000 and £50,000 and access the cash within days. Loans will be interest free for the first 12 months, and from Monday 4 May, businesses can apply online through a short and simple form. The Government, which has been consulting extensively with business representatives about the design of the new scheme, will provide lenders with a 100% guarantee for the loan and pay any fees and interest for the first 12 months. No repayments will be due during the first 12 months. The loans will be easy to apply for through a short, standardised online application. Loans should reach businesses within days – providing immediate support to those that need it as easily as possible.

The scheme will launch for applications on Monday 4 May. Firms will be able to access these loans through a network of accredited lenders. The government will work with lenders to ensure loans delivered through this scheme are advanced as quickly as possible and agree a low standardised level of interest for the remaining period of the loan.

The Government has confirmed that coronavirus (COVID‐19) testing is now available for essential workers and members of their households who are showing symptoms of coronavirus. Some construction workers working on projects or infrastructure critical to the response to coronavirus may be categorised as essential workers. Find out how to register for testing here

Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme (CBILS) extended with the addition of four new providers to the lender list (taking it now to 52 eligible providers). The Government is also taking additional steps on the Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme (CBILS) to ensure that lenders have the confidence they need to process finance applications quickly, including removing the per lender portfolio cap for the government guarantee, and changing the viability tests that so that all banks will need to assess is whether a business was viable pre COVID-19.

To help open up the supply chain, Build UK is working with members of trade bodies from across the sector to demonstrate the levels of demand and members are asked to complete this short Materials & Accommodation Survey to provide the following information as soon as possible and by 5:00pm on Wednesday 29 April at the latest.

Health Secretary Matt Hancock comfortable with Construction scaling back up. Mr Hancock has told Sky News that while the daily number of UK deaths due to coronavirus meant the country was not yet ready to start easing some social-distancing rules, he was not opposed to building sites and hardware stores resuming work.

“The things that are restarting are things that we never required to close in the first place, but what the companies have been doing is working out how they can have safe working following the social distancing rules whilst people are at work. Throughout we’ve allowed hardware stores to stay open, and the construction industry, but what businesses have been doing is taking the last couple of weeks to work out ‘ok how do you stay open and stay within the social-distancing rules at work?’. So it’s absolutely fine for those businesses to stay open because they were never required to close by the social-distancing rules. I’m comfortable with what they’re doing.”

Template Resources

COVID-19 Health and Safety Toolkit

If you want to book an FIS Skills Clinic to help you to look at how you can optimise this support, simply email the FIS at info@thefis.org

FIS Webinars (listen again)

For a full list, click here

FIS COVID-19 Update – 22 April 2020

Dear All

We have given you a bit of a break from updates for the last few days, not because we have taken our foot off the pedal, but the flow of information has slowed and effort is in finding practical solutions to the challenges that are emerging.

Overall focus is on the three distinct phases of managing the pandemic. The first stage has been about scaling businesses back, effectively survival mode. The challenge here is access to clean information to support decisions, focus on getting the right support from Government and dealing with all the contractual and payment issues that emerge as companies try to hang on to cash.

The next stage is hiatus, it is clear that the pressure is building to return to site (this is more marked in England, but is likely to follow in other parts of the UK in the coming weeks as isolation starts to scale back, but social distancing recommendations remain in place). The first and most important challenge here is ensuring that our people are not exposed to unacceptable risk. You will see in the update below that better guidance is starting to emerge, through our H&S Task Assessment Tool, but also within the Site Operating Procedures published in Ireland this week (well worth a read). There are also real concerns about selecting and securing PPE (again more below). Beyond this, it is very clear new ways of working will be slower and, in turn, this could lead to more contractual issues as we seek to ensure that the burden of this is fairly apportioned across the supply chain. Our lunchtime webinar on Thursdaysees the return of Damian James QS, who is helping us with a new toolkit and package of support to help lead FIS members through this minefield. Finally in this hiatus stage we are also concerned that material shortages may add to the risk and create additional challenges and are doing what we can with the supply chain to manage this.

The final stage is the new normal, which I’ll save that for another newsletter, apart from saying we are delighted that Tom Hall of Barbour ABI is going to join our lunchtime webinar today to give us a bit of snapshot into what is happening on the ground at the moment across the UK and what shape recovery may take.

Thanks for the continued flow of information, those supporting our various working groups and please do keep it coming. We are always at the end of a phone, even if only for a chat as you try and make sense of this whole situation.

All the best,

Iain

PS If you haven’t completed our latest State of the Market Survey, we’d really appreciate your support.

Iain McIlwee
CEO: Finishes and Interiors Sector
M: 07792 959 481 E: iainmcilwee@thefis.org

FIS Webinars

TODAY! Midday – 1pm: The Shape of Recovery, Tom Hall, Chief Economist, Barbour ABI
Tom will give us insight from their extensive ongoing research into how the market is evolving and likely to recover in the weeks and months ahead.

23 April: 1pm – 2pm: Contract Management, Avoiding Conflict and Dispute Resolution, Damian James
FIS has teamed up with Delay and Quantum Expert, Damian James to develop a toolkit to support members in managing contracts, avoiding conflict and resolving disputes. This clinic introduces the toolkit and disputes in the context of the current crisis.

23 April: Midday – 1pm: FIS RIBA assessed material CPD- A guide to officepartitions

24 April: Midday – 1pm: Vesting Certificates and how they can support Cash Flow

Latest Updates

FIS Updates Task Assessment Tool – Based on feedback FIS has now released an updated of our H&S Task Assessment Tool, changes include minor modifications to the main assessment list and the addition of a new checklist to support return to work inspections.

New Irish Site Operating Procedures – The Construction Industry Federation in Ireland has now published their equivalent site operating procedures. There are clear parallels with those produced by the Construction Leadership Council in the UK, however, greater clarity is provided to support close working and transport.

Latest statement from Build UK identifies that the Construction Leadership Council (CLC) is looking at a recovery plan for the industry and how to release workers from furlough in a phased manner. Following its Statement on Payment and Contracts earlier this month, the CLC also continues to call for collaborative ways of working to avoid costly contractual disputes which are more than likely to result in insolvencies.

Whilst construction clients have responded in different ways, the Government has been very clear on the response expected from public sector clients. Earlier this month the Cabinet Office published supplementary Guidance Notes for Construction Contracts to support contracting authorities in implementing PPN 02/20 – Supplier Relief due to COVID-19.

FIS is starting to hear concerns around the probity of PPE that is being purchased to support a return to site. Working with the British Safety Industry Federation, we are recommending using the BSIF checklist before investing in kit, this has been added to our FIS COVID-19 H&S Toolkit. FIS has established a working group to review concerns over sourcing and managing PPE related issues, for more information email georgeswann@thefis.org

Government launches new coronavirus business support finder tool – A new ‘support finder’ tool will help businesses and self-employed people across the UK to quickly and easily determine what financial support is available to them during the coronavirus pandemic.

The Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme is open, you can claim for your employees’ wages through the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme (CJRS). A step by step guide for employers has been prepared by HMRC. So far feedback from FIS members is mixed, mostly positive, but complexity of calculation and issues if periods are not consistent between staff have been flagged.

Northern Irish Assembly publishes list of essential works, the list restricts construction work to:

Any new builds/conversions/maintenance supporting, health service and related activities, other emergency and security services, food manufacture, supply & logistics and utilities
Any new builds/conversions/maintenance supporting priority sectors identified by either local or national governments
Emergency services to businesses and homes on an emergency call-out basis in areas such as electrical, heating, plumbing, glazing and roofing or emergency repair related to fire, theft and burglary
Supply of construction materials and builders’ merchants for the above.

Template Resources

FIS Contractual and Legal Toolkit that includes standard letters to support lay-off, furlough and short-time working here

Guidance on Contractual Issues Caused by Coronavirus

CLC Site Operating Procedures Version 3

The FIS Risk Management Tool has been updated to support key Cash Flow Management Guidance.

If you want to book an FIS Skills Clinic to help you to look at how you can optimise this support, simply email the FIS at info@thefis.org

The FIS Board have offered to make themselves available through a mentoring service, find out how you can access this support here.

FIS Webinars (listen again)

For a full list, click here

FIS COVID-19 Update – 17 April 2020

Dear All

Following on from the publication of the Site Operating Procedures FIS surveyed its membership on the key issues that remain unresolved and set up a task group to review these.

As a first stage we have produced a task assessment tool that will start to help us to form a more consistent approach to managing individual tasks in the context of social distancing requirements. Whatever stage you are at, at some point it seems apparent that lockdown will end, but social distancing will remain. We need to be clear about how we keep our people safe in this new imposed environment.

We urge you to review this tool in relation to your own activities and feed in your thoughts. It is not, by any stretch, all the answers, but the impetus is to provide a framework in which to consider and to review individual activities. We are immensely grateful to David Cant for chairing the first stage of this work and those members who gave up their time to support us in getting to the starting line and in our ongoing review. Over the coming days, as well as evolving this tool we will be developing additional supporting resources. George Swann here has done the heavy lifting on behalf of FIS, so please send information through to georgeswann@thefis.org or phone 07553 874 838. We appreciate also it is quite a complex document, so if you feel you need a walk through, talk through, again don’t hesitate.

All the best,

Iain

PS If you haven’t completed our latest State of the Market Survey, we’d really appreciate your support.

Iain McIlwee
CEO: Finishes and Interiors Sector
M: 07792 959 481 E: iainmcilwee@thefis.org

FIS Webinars

22 April 2020 Midday – 1pm: The Shape of Recovery, Tom Hall, Chief Economist, Barbour ABI. Register here https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/1581335621561347599

23 April 2020 1pm – 2pm: Contract Management, Avoiding Conflict and Dispute Resolution, Damian James. Register here https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/3931329520188504591

24 April 2020 Midday – 1pm: Vesting Certificates and how they can support Cash Flow. Register here https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/336248654267885327

Latest Updates

FIS Launch new COVID-19 Task assessment tool to support companies in making vital H&S decisions. The tool is a first draft and will evolve over the coming weeks.

The UK Government have advised that the current lockdown procedures will continue for a further three weeks. In-line with advice from Damian James in the recent FIS webinar and the advice on ‘what to do in suspensions‘, it is now important that members issue a further notice advising of the potential impacts on their subcontracts. The notice should consider any further impacts in the period since the first notice and should advise of the future impacts anticipated. Members should give due consideration to the availability of materials and labour resources along with the expected effects of productivity levels due to distancing between operatives on projects when drafting their notice.

Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme extended by one month to reflect continuing social distancing measures.

New data from Barbour ABI on State of the Market – Barbour are reporting a further small increase in the volume of delayed projects with the total value currently standing at £71bn. The report includes some interesting survey evidence, a report of projects staying open and further findings of delays at the sub-sector level.

The Minister for Business and Industry Nadhim Zahawi, held a conference call with representatives of Build UK who gave a first‐hand update on the current challenges faced by the supply chain.

FIS Members who applied early for the Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme urged to re-check eligibility Following this contact from a member yesterday: “I’m indebted to you for the survey this morning as it made me realise that although initially I was not eligible for CBILS as I could get normal commercial borrowing, I am in fact now eligible as they have updated the scheme, thank you for prompting me. I have just spoken to my Relationship Manager and she will support our application and she says it’s a no brainer in terms of comparison to overdraft.”

Chancellor expands loan scheme for large businesses – The government-backed loan scheme for large businesses affected by coronavirus has been expanded to cover all viable firms, the Chancellor announced today. Outlining further details of the Coronavirus Large Business Interruption Loans Scheme (CLBILS) ahead of its launch on Monday, Rishi Sunak said all firms with a turnover of more than £45 million will now be able to apply for up to £25 million of finance, and up to £50 million for firms with a turnover of more than £250 million. Business with turnovers of more than £500 million were originally not eligible for the scheme, which is being set up to help firms who do not qualify for the existing Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme – for small and medium sized businesses – and the Bank of England Covid Corporate Financing Facility – for investment grade companies

New Guidance from the HSE – Social distancing, keeping businesses open and in-work activities during the coronavirus outbreak

Template Resources

Guidance to issue to self-employed workers on reporting to work, risk mitigation and self-isolation

FIS Contractual and Legal Toolkit that includes standard letters to support lay-off, furlough and short-time working here

Guidance on Contractual Issues Caused by Coronavirus

https://www.surveygizmo.eu/s3/90229725/FIS-COVID-19-Update

The FIS Risk Management Tool has been updated to support key Cash Flow Management Guidance.

If you want to book an FIS Skills Clinic to help you to look at how you can optimise this support, simply email the FIS at info@thefis.org

FIS Webinars (listen again)

For a full list, click here

FIS COVID-19 Update – 16 April 2020

Dear All

As an active trade association, the FIS wants to support you, and represent our members and the wider community with activity tailored to your needs. We are therefore looking to gather some more structured information on how the virus is impacting your business and how this is changing. To this end I would be grateful if you could complete the survey below. I can’t emphasise enough how important this type of information is to instruct our work and to help us to reflect accurately the views of our community. Please note all information will be treated in the strictest of confidence and only used in aggregate.

We have also proposed that the Construction Leadership Council conducts a more detailed review of the effectiveness of COVID-19 Business Loans. We are pleased to note that this proposal has been actioned and you also have an opportunity to give your views through this survey.

Please do spend 5 minutes on this and, on behalf of the FIS team and I can we express our gratitude for your support.

All the best,

Iain

Iain McIlwee
CEO: Finishes and Interiors Sector
M: 07792 959 481 E: iainmcilwee@thefis.org

FIS Webinars

16 April Midday – 1pm: Weathering the storm – surviving the COVID-19 crisis

Tom Ahmad, Director, Bailey Ahmad Business Recovery draws on his extensive experience of helping businesses in distress, looks at the Government COVID-19 Business Support available and changes to insolvency laws to offer practical tips to guide FIS Members through this challenging period. This workshop will include an interactive scenario planning session.

17 April Midday – 1pm: How to deal with the COVID-19 phenomenon and the impact on mental health

Latest Updates

Covid-19 Delay Clauses – It is sensible for companies to be proactive and try to ensure that there is protection in their contracts against the effects of Covid-19. This factsheet incluses a suggested example clause, for inclusion in tender packages.

Preparing your Furlough Claim – HMRC has confirmed that the claims portal will open on 20 April. They have in communicating this updated what a claimant will need to know/have before starting. Access a simple checklist here.

You can access the latest Tax Update from the Joint Taxation Council here

Thousands more employees will able to receive support through the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme (CJRS) after the eligibility date was extended to 19 March 2020, the government announced today.

The impact of COVID-19 across the Construction Industry – following consultation with main contractors, Constructionline introduced a new question set to understand how COVID-19 is affecting members, their businesses, and their staff. Over 3,400 businesses have completed the new question set so far, giving us a great insight into how the industry is coping during this pandemic.

It has been confirmed that The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) is the enforcing authority for PHE guidelines and will consider a range of actions for non‐compliance, from providing advice to issuing enforcement and prohibition notices. It has also set up a website for workers to report concerns about health and safety where they cannot be resolved by speaking with their employer or trade union.

Template Resources

CLC Site Operating Procedures Version 3

Guidance to issue to self-employed workers on reporting to work, risk mitigation and self-isolation

FIS Contractual and Legal Toolkit that includes standard letters to support lay-off, furlough and short-time working here

Guidance on Contractual Issues Caused by Coronavirus

CIC Webinar: self-employed and freelance workers

The FIS Risk Management Tool has been updated to support key Cash Flow Management Guidance.

If you want to book an FIS Skills Clinic to help you to look at how you can optimise this support, simply email the FIS at info@thefis.org

FIS Webinars (listen again)

For a full list, click here

FIS COVID-19 Update – 15 April 2020

Dear All

For speed, I have simply copied in the notification received this morning from BuildUK.

Thank you for your patience on the Site Operating Procedures ‐ Version 3 which has now been published by the Construction Leadership Council (CLC). We can only apologise for the delay; as we are all finding at the moment, nothing is quite as easy as it should be.

The Public Health England (PHE) guidance on Social distancing in the workplace during coronavirus (COVID‐19), which includes sections on Construction and the Use of private vehicles and car pooling for travelling to work, has been incorporated into what is now industry‐recognised guidance, supported by the Secretary of State for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy, Alok Sharma.

The key changes in Version 3 include:

Confirmation that the HSE is the enforcing authority for PHE guidelines
The need for sites to monitor the implementation of the procedures
Further details on who should not travel to work
Guidance for those who have no option but to share transport to work
Information on the hierarchy of controls which should be implemented to reduce the risk of transmission where social distancing of 2 metres cannot be achieved
Information on first aid and emergency service response.

The latest PHE guidance for construction states that “where face‐to‐face contact is essential, this should be kept to 15 minutes or less wherever possible”. We have requested further clarification from PHE on this point.

We are also seeking further guidance on the use of RPE on construction sites as a means of reducing the transmission of Coronavirus (COVID‐19).

We will start reviewing against the work of the FIS COVID-19 H&S Taskgroup.

All the best,

Iain

Iain McIlwee
CEO: Finishes and Interiors Sector
M: 07792 959 481 E: iainmcilwee@thefis.org

FIS Webinars

16 April Midday – 1pm: Weathering the storm – surviving the COVID-19 crisis

17 April Midday – 1pm: How to deal with the COVID-19 phenomenon and the impact on mental health

RECOMMENDED WEBINAR:

Latest Updates

CITB has announced additional support for the industry including:

The launch of a one-year Leadership and Management Fund to help large businesses develop the leadership, management and supervisory skills of their staff. CITB registered employers with more than 250 directly employed staff can bid for up to £100,000 by submitting the application form by 12 June 2020.
An increase in the amount of time Approved Training Organisations (ATOs) have to submit information in relation to the training they provide – further details can be found in the CITB ATO update.

CITB confirmed earlier this month that it would be expanding the Skills and Training Fund, enabling small and micro-sized businesses to apply for up to £10,000 and medium-sized businesses with up to 250 employees to claim up to £25,000.

Template Resources

CLC Site Operating Procedures Version 3

Guidance to issue to self-employed workers on reporting to work, risk mitigation and self-isolation

FIS Contractual and Legal Toolkit that includes standard letters to support lay-off, furlough and short-time working here

Guidance on Contractual Issues Caused by Coronavirus

CIC Webinar: self-employed and freelance workers

The FIS Risk Management Tool has been updated to support key Cash Flow Management Guidance.

If you want to book an FIS Skills Clinic to help you to look at how you can optimise this support, simply email the FIS at info@thefis.org

FIS Webinars (listen again)

For a full list, click here

FIS COVID-19 Update – 14 April 2020

Dear All

I hope that you had some time to unwind this weekend and today wasn’t too much of a hard landing. Sorry for the delay in this, but I had planned to send with Version 3 of the Construction Leadership Council (CLC) Site Operating Procedures, but as yet I have not received a final copy.

I did attend an update meeting with the Construction Leadership Council on Thursday (I have now been invited to join weekly calls). It was clear to me on this call that the push from Westminster is to get as many construction projects going as possible. I was advised that there is no likelihood of an essential works list being published unless we go in to deeper lock down. With this in mind and in light of an early draft I have seen, I suspect once published, the Operating Procedures will simply absorb the PHE Guidelines circulated last week and add pressure to companies, particularly in England, to open sites. Ultimately, the challenge construction is facing is that we are primarily (and rightly) concerned about the immediate impact on the health of people in our care and the knock on liability to our businesses. This will, it seems, be at odds with Government’s delay phase strategy – essentially balancing the risk of overwhelming the health service with the need to prevent other avoidable deaths and damage to the economy. This leaves some uncomfortable ground truths that politicians seem to be finding it difficult to express openly. Beyond the H&S challenges this will create, there remains practical issues regarding material availability to address in light of manufacturing closures and stock being reserved for NHS and other Covid-19 response essential infrastructure and building project.

This all remains inconsistent across the UK with the Scottish Government stating very clearly that, all but essential, sites should remain closed. It is our understanding that this will not change until evidence is provided that sites can operate safely. There remains some tension in Scotland, however, in so far as this is guidance and is not being followed by all – this is something that the Scottish Construction Group (the equivalent of the CLC) is taking very seriously and pressing their Government to clamp down on. In Wales, no specific edict has been issued for construction, however, Regulation 7A puts even greater emphasis on avoiding 2m (guidance can be seen here). A similar position to Scotland is in play in Northern Ireland, where Minister Simon Harris has stated construction is not an essential service and as such construction workers should stay at home. As such any Site Operating Procedures will need to be interpreted for the relevant authority.

At the meeting, I also got my chance to voice our concerns at the lack of clarity and the immense pressure this is putting on our membership. This goes even beyond the obvious concern about safety, this is also about the contractual headache and very real productivity concerns should work resume without significant planning, it is also about the additional pressure that is being pressed upon business owners (at an already difficult time) from what are difficult and complex ethical decisions that they simply should not be asked to be unravelling. I will continue to keep the pressure on, at the very least if the Westminster Government do deem us essential then we need our workers to be classified as essential.

As soon as we have the Site Operating Procedures we will circulate and, in the meantime our FIS COVID-19 H&S Task Group is working on and planning to put out our own Risk Assessment Tool to support members. This will be published as soon as we can after reviewing in context of the revised information from the CLC.

Please do keep information and views flowing in and stay safe,

Iain

Iain McIlwee
CEO: Finishes and Interiors Sector
M: 07792 959 481 E: iainmcilwee@thefis.org

FIS Webinars

16 April Midday – 1pm: Weathering the storm – surviving the COVID-19 crisis

Practical advice for FIS Members on navigating the current crisis from business recovery expert. Tom Ahmad, Director, Bailey Ahmad Business Recovery draws on his extensive experience of helping businesses in distress, looks at the COVID-19 Business Support available and changes to insolvency laws to offer practical tips and support FIS Members through one of the most challenging periods the industry has ever faced.

17 April Midday – 1pm: How to deal with the COVID-19 phenomenon and the impact on mental health

RECOMMENDED WEBINAR:

Latest Updates

Mental Health and Mentoring – At FIS we are acutely aware of the intense pressure members are currently under. Our first Mental Health webinar on Friday will provide further details of support that will be available to the FIS to assist here. We are also conducting welfare calls to our members (if we have missed you and you would like to talk things through please don’t hesitate to get in touch). To support this activity members of the FIS Board (all currently operating at a senior level within FIS Member firms and confronted with the same difficult decisions) have offered to provide a free mentoring service. If you would like to book a session, please click here.

Materials Supply – FIS has been supporting the CPA, working in partnership with the Builders Merchants Federation, in surveying their members to determine their operational status in response to the Covid-19 virus. Shown here is a summary for the CPA’s largest Company Members. The BMF has posted similar updates of its merchants and suppliers that can be found on its website. These surveys should highlight how the supply of construction products and materials to merchants and builders may be impacted by reductions or closures in production, distribution, and stocks.

The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has issued guidance outlining temporary measures to relax competition between businesses, in order to ensure that essential supplies are available and key workers can travel safely to their place of work. The CMA has stated that this “does not give a ‘free pass’ to businesses to engage in conduct that could lead to harm to consumers in other ways” and it “will not tolerate unscrupulous businesses exploiting the crisis as a ‘cover’ for non-essential collusion”.

Coronavirus (COVID-19): personal protective equipment (PPE) hub: A new hub containing guidance on personal protective equipment (PPE), and infection prevention and control (IPC) is now available, containing information for both health and social care settings and other workers and sectors.

Latest Statement from Build UK – Includes confirmation that New Site Operating Procedures to be published later today.

New page to replace Understanding Universal Credit Coronavirus and claiming benefits page – These pages have additional information and will help answer lots of the questions. Please promote this new site to employees or members as appropriate. People making new claims for Universal Credit will no longer need to call the Department as part of the process.

Right to Work – Covid-19: Temporary changes to the Statutory Residence Test – it might be useful for employers/members who are currently recruiting – some changes to Right to Work checks.

Update from Spain: People in manufacturing, construction and some services are being allowed to return to work following a two-week pause, but must stick to strict safety guidelines. More here.

Template Resources

Guidance to issue to self-employed workers on reporting to work, risk mitigation and self-isolation

FIS Contractual and Legal Toolkit that includes standard letters to support lay-off, furlough and short-time working here

Guidance on Contractual Issues Caused by Coronavirus

What is ‘work’ and what do you do if you can’t afford furlough payments?

The FIS Risk Management Tool has been updated to support key Cash Flow Management Guidance.

If you want to book an FIS Skills Clinic to help you to look at how you can optimise this support, simply email the FIS at info@thefis.org

FIS Webinars (listen again)

For a full list, click here

FIS COVID-19 Update – 9 April 2020

Dear All,

This morning, I was encouraged to read the open letter from CLC to the industry stating:

The CLC is increasingly concerned about the management of payment in the supply chain, and the risk that clients and firms will seek to invoke contractual clauses to the detriment of other firms. We are clear that all construction businesses should continue to pay in accordance with agreed contractual terms. Similarly, firms should not be threatening to invoke penalty or other contractual clauses, when it should be the priority of all clients and firms to sustain the industry. Our actions at this time will be remembered. All firms should think hard about how their reputation could be damaged by not doing the right thing

It is important if you feel companies are not following this approach that you feed information in to us and we can reflect this in our dialogue with CLC. In the meantime, we continue to urge members to pay close attention to contractual requirements and do all you can to ensure that the right notices are delivered. We have had some excellent webinars on this subject that you can access below.

Westminster Government remains keen to get construction back to being economically active as soon as practicable and in a backdrop of potential material shortage, we did see yesterday a letter from Secretary of State for Business, Alock Sharma to manufacturers looking to encourage them to continue to maintain supply. In his letter he recognises the need to “protect the economy” and states “that there is no restriction on manufacturing continuing under the current rules”.

We’ll share the new Construction Leadership Council (CLC) Site Operating Procedures as soon as (I have been invited to join an update call with CLC later today, so hope to have more news on this before the weekend). In the meantime, we are busy collating the work from our own FIS COVID-19 H&S Task Group and have a nominated representative on the new CLC Group that will be looking at these issues going forward with the HSE on behalf of the wider industry.

Please do keep information and views flowing in and stay safe,

Iain

Iain McIlwee
CEO: Finishes and Interiors Sector
M: 07792 959 481 E: iainmcilwee@thefis.org

ps: We are aware that a number of members have been working on the hospitals throughout the UK. If you have been involved, do let us know so that we can share this socially. Email details to clairmooney@thefis.org

FIS Webinars

16 April Midday – 1pm: Weathering the storm – surviving the COVID-19 crisis

17 April Midday – 1pm: How to deal with the COVID-19 phenomenon and the impact on mental health

Latest Updates

The Construction Leadership Council (CLC) has issued a statement calling for construction businesses to pay in accordance with agreed contractual terms and warning against invoking contractual clauses to the detriment of others. It is vital that all parties understand the implications of the current situation on their contracts and work together to find solutions.

Build UK has published an updated version of our Guidance on Contractual Issues which includes an appendix setting out the corresponding sub-contract clause numbers for both JCT and NEC standard forms of contract to make it even easier for your members to use.

CPA – UK Economic and Construction Impacts from COVID-19 (Coronavirus) It is expected that the UK economy will contract sharply in 2020 H1. As the negative effects have occurred since the start of March and will only increase in the next few weeks, economic activity in 2020 Q2 is likely to suffer the largest impacts.

In an open Letter to the Manufacturing Sector Secretary of State for Business, Alok Sharma notes “the Government’s priority is saving lives and we have advised that where possible, people should stay at home and work from home. However, our country needs your support to keep supply chains moving and key workers mobile, as well as to protect the economy as much as possible. Every business has a role to play in helping the country defeat coronavirus. Manufacturing is a critical part of our economy and I would like to be clear that there is no restriction on manufacturing continuing under the current rules. Whilst he the then goes on to talk about supplies for essential services, this is the clearest statement yet that the reason Government requires certain industries to carry on is related to longer term economic considerations than just to address immediate health issues from the pandemic.

Barbour ABI Covid-19 Economic Briefing April 2020 – Over the last week we have seen a large increase in the number of projects that have been identified as delayed from the Coronavirus pandemic, with construction sectors other than residential starting to see more widespread shutdowns. Research identifies that:

around half of firms have closed all sites
circa 10% are restricting activity to essential work only, and
the remainder are taking a mixed approach, from:
▪ continuing ongoing activity but not starting new work,
▪ cutting working hours,
▪ shutting smaller sites, or
▪ taking a site by site approach considering worker safety among other factors.

The Welsh Government has provided Guidance on Taking all reasonable measures to maintain physical distancing in the workplace Guidance is designed to support 7A of the Health Protection (Coronavirus Restrictions) (Wales) Regulations 2020, which is aimed at any person who required by the Coronavirus Regulations to take all reasonable measures to ensure that a distance of 2 metres is maintained on particular premises. Guidance recognises that there will be circumstances in which it is not possible to take reasonable measures (e.g. Tasks that require two or more people to undertake them safely, including heavy lifting or carrying dangerous chemicals, although there may be measures that can be adopted elsewhere in the workplace). But employers will be expected to undertake an assessment before concluding there are no reasonable measures that they can take, and there are no blanket exemptions form this legislation. It is an important principle that employers undertake an assessment of what reasonable measures can be taken and to keep this under periodic review.

Public Health England have updated guidance for construction and we have been advised that the new Standard Operating Procedures are due this afternoon. Key points to note that within the PHE guidance there is no significant tightening of 2m requirements, just “you should still advise staff to keep 2 metres apart as much as possible” it advices “Where face-to-face contact is essential, this should be kept to 15 minutes or less wherever possible“. There is no reference to appropriate PPE. It also again gives the rationale that Construction work plays an important role in ensuring public safety and the provision of public services which points to what is essential without defining it. There is also updated guidance for those working in a domestic setting.

The new manufacturing advice follows a similar thread and reminds “Manufacturing plays an important role in the economy. It can continue if done in accordance with the social distancing guidelines wherever possible. Where it is not possible to follow the social distancing guidelines in full in relation to a particular activity, you should consider whether that activity needs to continue for the business to continue to operate, and, if so, take all the mitigating actions possible to reduce the risk of transmission between staff.”

Advice for retail operations and logistics companies such as builders merchants is also available.

All advice emphasises that to protect your staff, you should remind colleagues daily to only come into work if they are well and no one in their household is self-isolating.

New guidance on the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme from our partner, Citation

How do you treat the Bank Holidays and annual leave for furloughed employees?

Noble and the economics team at the Construction Products Association have also been producing a regularly updated Covid-19 Market Impact Report and we hope that the detailed insight and scenario planning are of help to all of you trying to navigate the business impact that we are currently experiencing (this was updated yesterday).

Template Resources

Guidance to issue to self-employed workers on reporting to work, risk mitigation and self-isolation

FIS Contractual and Legal Toolkit that includes standard letters to support lay-off, furlough and short-time working here

Guidance on Contractual Issues Caused by Coronavirus

Guidance to issue to self-employed workers on reporting to work, risk mitigation and self-isolation

The FIS Risk Management Tool has been updated to support key Cash Flow Management Guidance.

If you want to book an FIS Skills Clinic to help you to look at how you can optimise this support, simply email the FIS at info@thefis.org

FIS Webinars (listen again)

For a full list, click here

FIS COVID-19 Update – 7 April 2020

Dear All

This morning we woke up to the news that more sites in Wales and Scotland will, under new guidelines, close. The stronger guidance issued yesterday evening by Scottish Economy Secretary, Fiona Hyslop stated that non-essential construction (as defined by the Scottish Government) should stop. It appears most contractors in Scotland are taking on board this guidance, but it falls short of being a legal requirement and is still, as a consequence, not absolute.

In Wales the approach adopted has been different, non-essential works can carry on, but only if the 2m distancing rule can be maintained. This 2m rule is now enshrined in Regulation in Wales.

Regardless of the reality on the ground, our Government in Westminster still maintains that their position is clear – construction should carry on, if safe to do so. In light of this, we are aware of new pressure to open sites after Easter and concerns in terms of safety and practicalities such as furloughed staff, material availability and sourcing appropriate PPE. Whilst in the last couple of days, we have received less reports of strong contractual letters and even had some reassurance that pragmatic discussions are taking place, we are still getting reports that unreasonable pressure is being applied in certain quarters and, beyond the clear and present danger that the virus presents we have a growing threat of contract disputes and LADs.

The position of the FIS Board is clear, priority must be the health and safety of our workforce and we will continue to press for clarity around what is meant by essential work and better support through Site Operating Procedures. We must step up again and do more to support our members with their contractual concerns (we are currently reviewing options here and will revert back). Beyond this we are cognisant of the economic and social need for work to resume where safe. It is for this reason that we initiated the work of our COVID-19 H&S Task Group this afternoon. The message I took away from this meeting, apart from some optimism again in the way our community is rallying, is that things have changed, not just for the now, but for the foreseeable – our mission must be to find a new and practical normal. The output of the first stage of this work will be a RAG risk assessment that we will aim to publish early next week. This is a big piece of work and will undoubtedly evolve over the months and weeks ahead. I am grateful to the able group of volunteers who assembled today on GoToMeeting, rolled up their sleeves and got stuck in. If you want to learn more and get involved, let me know.

Please do keep information and views flowing in and stay safe,

Iain

PS I would also like to use this opportunity to say thanks to the FIS Board who have, as well as managing their own business given time to weekly Board meetings. They have been a ready source of advice and support to your team at the FIS, steering our activities – you voted a good bunch! In the meeting yesterday, they also made the offer that members of the Board are willing to volunteer for a number of mentoring sessions with members each week. Whilst we put a process in place, if you are keen to book a slot, let me know and I’ll make the necessary arrangements and match you with the most appropriate.

Iain McIlwee
CEO: Finishes and Interiors Sector
M: 07792 959 481 E: iainmcilwee@thefis.org

FIS Webinars

8 April 2020 – Midday -1pm: Claiming R&D Tax Credits, a potential lifeline

With the continuing COVID-19 outbreak leaving many businesses in our sector unable to continue working as normal, many are now left counting costs. In a time where cash flow is scarce, this webinar hones in on this important source of funding available via the government’s R&D tax incentives. We’ve partnered with the UK’s largest R&D tax credit specialists, Forrest Brown, to bring you an important webinar on how you can quickly access this valuable funding.

9 April 2020 2-3pm: ICAEW is hosting a webinar on “Understanding Insolvency” this will provide insight into the new Insolvency Laws. They have agreed to help FIS with a follow-up webinar specifically for our community, hopefully next week, but in the meantime this seminar may be of interest for the more technically minded (targeted at accounting practitioners) and it will include a Q&A.

FIS Webinars (listen again)

Conflict Resolution and COVID-19 – the common sense steps needed to be taken to navigate potential commercial pitfalls associated with delays to construction projects caused by COVID-19
With construction projects and disputes facing suspension due to COVID-19 we look at the practical steps to ensure your contractual entailment to time and money. Presentation and Q&A Hosted by Damian James.
Cash flow Forecasting, delivered for FIS Members by the Institute of Chartered Accountants, England and Wales
FIS/Citation Webinar COVID-19 | 2020: A Year of Unprecedented Change (25 March 2020)
FIS/ClarksLegal Webinar – COVID-19 and Employment Matters (24 March 2020)

For a full list, click here

Latest Updates

The Cabinet Office has published Guidance Notes for Construction Contracts, providing detailed information for public authorities on how to implement Procurement Policy Note 02/20. New guidance makes it clear that suppliers and contractors must be supported although they should be prevented from claiming separate relief from another source of government financial support on Covid-19 e.g. Furlough – “to the effect that the supplier gains an undue advantage by claiming relief twice for the same hardship”.

RIDDOR reporting of COVID-19, HSE now determines that you must only make a report under RIDDOR highlighting that:

When an unintended incident at work has led to someone’s possible or actual exposure to coronavirus – this must be reported as a dangerous occurrence.

When a worker has been diagnosed as having COVID 19 and there is reasonable evidence that it was caused by exposure at work – this must be reported as a case of disease.

Two-metre rule will protect all workers in Wales from coronavirus – The regulations will mean the 2 metre social distancing rule will apply to any workplace, including homes, where work and repairs are being undertaken and outdoor spaces. The new rules apply to those workplaces not already covered by the original stay-at-home rules introduced almost 2 weeks ago. The regulation does not state construction works must stop, but can continue if the 2m rule can be upheld. A further challenge in Wales for construction workers is the advice from Transport for Wales that states:

Roads should only be used:

by key workers (such as health professionals)
for travelling to provide support in local communities
to get to shops for essential food and medical supplies.

It is currently unclear how this will be interpreted in relation to construction workers, where there is still no definition for essential works, but for those travelling to site it is advisable that they carry a letter of authorisation (see template resources below). It is important to note in Wales, this 2m working rule is a Regulatory requirement.

Scottish Government issues Guidance that non -essential construction works should cease – Work on construction sites, unless it is for essential projects (as defined in the new Critical National Infrastructure List), should stop immediately. The guidance makes clear that work on non-essential construction projects should cease. Any project deemed essential can only continue operating if it can comply with guidance on social distancing, safety and welfare during the COVID-19 outbreak. Any site unable to meet these requirements should close. This guidance will be reviewed again in 3 weeks, but the position is work should not begin again until it is clear how operations can be undertaken safely and in a way that is fully compliant with social distancing.

The government has finally confirmed that apprentices can continue with funded training when employers use the job retention scheme, subject to being paid the apprenticeship minimum wage “for all the time they spend training”.

Guidance for first responders and others in close contact with symptomatic people with potential COVID-19 – in our H&S call today, this useful advice was flagged up, which gives first aiders an update on how to manage a situation where CPR may be required.

Template Resources

FIS Contractual and Legal Toolkit that includes standard letters to support lay-off, furlough and short-time working here

Guidance on Contractual Issues Caused by Coronavirus

New Guidance published on use of Face Masks in non-Clinical settings

The FIS Risk Management Tool has been updated to support key Cash Flow Management Guidance.

If you want to book an FIS Skills Clinic to help you to look at how you can optimise this support, simply email the FIS at info@thefis.org

FIS COVID-19 Update – 6 April 2020

Dear All

I hope this finds you well that you found some time to enjoy the weekend.

Following another nebulous update from the Secretary of State at the weekend we continue to press for greater clarity on precisely what construction work should be continuing. We have also turned attention to look at specific areas of concern surrounding the CLC Site Operating Procedures, notably the challenge of complying with 2m social distancing recommendations and are working with suppliers to understand the state of play with respect to material availability and distribution.

The new FIS COVID-19 H&S Taskforce is being tasked to produce a risk matrix that determines whether tasks are Red (cannot be done whilst maintaining 2m distancing), Amber (through use of additional tools/revised process/appropriate mitigation can be completed safely) and Green (are safe to do with minimal change to existing RAMs) that can be used to review the practicality of restarting or completing works. We also intend to use it as a forum to review innovative ideas and exchange best practice guidance to support the wider sector.

In the Build UK update this morning they point to the fact that liquidity is critical and acknowledge that response from clients and contractors is key to the survival of businesses of all sizes. “There is a choice: fall back on contracts, pay for costly legal advice, and prepare for adversarial disputes or bring the supply chain together, and collectively look at how construction work can continue without putting workers at risk”. Please keep that flow of information regarding clients and contractors coming in so we can provide support (directly or through QS and legal companies that we work with), but also so we can highlight patterns and problem areas/companies and work with colleagues in Build UK and other trade bodies to bring collective pressure to bear.

On liquidity, beyond the contractual elements, on Friday the Chancellor took further action by bolstering business interruption loans for small businesses and announcing a new scheme for larger companies. We also have access to some new and detailed guidance through the CLC (see below) and arranged a webinar on R&D Tax Credits on Wednesday (we have had good feedback from members over the past few months on successful claims). Every little helps and I also remind you of the support you can get from FIS in terms of booking one-to-one Skills Funding Clinics to review future and historic claims.

Please don’t hesitate to contact us with any questions/comments/ideas or to highlight your concerns.

All the best,

Iain

Iain McIlwee
CEO: Finishes and Interiors Sector
M: 07792 959 481 E: iainmcilwee@thefis.org

FIS Webinars

8 April 2020 – 12-1pm: Claiming R&D Tax Credits, a potential lifeline

With the continuing COVID-19 outbreak leaving many businesses in our sector unable to continue working as normal, many are now left counting costs. In a time where cash flow is scarce, this webinar hones in on this important source of funding available via the government’s R&D tax incentives. We’ve partnered with the UK’s largest R&D tax credit specialists, ForrestBrown, to bring you an important webinar on how you can quickly access this valuable funding.

FIS Webinars (listen again)

Conflict Resolution and COVID-19 – the common sense steps needed to be taken to navigate potential commercial pitfalls associated with delays to construction projects caused by COVID-19
With construction projects and disputes facing suspension due to COVID-19 we look at the practical steps to ensure your contractual entailment to time and money. Presentation and Q&A Hosted by Damian James.
Cash flow Forecasting, delivered for FIS Members by the Institute of Chartered Accountants, England and Wales
FIS/Citation Webinar COVID-19 | 2020: A Year of Unprecedented Change (25 March 2020)
FIS/ClarksLegal Webinar – COVID-19 and Employment Matters (24 March 2020)

For a full list, click here

Latest Updates

Business Secretary appeals to everyone to stay calm and carry on the good work. Business Secretary, Alok Sharma, writes for The Sun on Sunday thanking workers and businesses for their support during the coronavirus pandemic. FIS responds, pointing again to confusion still being perpetrated in the statement around essential works and the practicality of 2m safe distancing rules.

Update from Build UK – We are entering the third week of lockdown and liquidity is now the critical issue for construction. This point was made loud and clear to the Construction and HS2 Ministers last week by representatives from across the supply chain.

The response from clients and contractors will be key to the survival of businesses of all sizes. There is a choice: fall back on contracts, pay for costly legal advice, and prepare for adversarial disputes or bring the supply chain together, and collectively look at how construction work can continue without putting workers at risk.

Build UK continues to work closely with the Construction Leadership Council (CLC) to ensure that the Government supports the construction sector and that our members have access to all the information and advice they need to make decisions at this difficult time.

New Guide Coronavirus Employment Schemes – has been produced on behalf of the CLC, authored by our industry colleagues at the Association for Consultancy and Engineering (ACE) and approved by government officials. It includes a suggested process for managing furlough in relation to the other guidance such as Site Operating Procedures or critical works list. This briefing paper includes a comprehensive FAQs list on construction specific queries.

Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme revamped in light of increasing calls from business owners that financial support is not getting through sufficiently quickly, or at all, to those who need it most. Only £145million of the £330billion finance made available by the government has been lent to date. Reforms include:

The removal of the need for businesses to show that they can’t get a loan on normal commercial terms before they qualify for the loan scheme.
Banning the requirement of personal guarantees for loans of up to £250,000.
Although personal guarantees can be sought for loans over £250,000, they will be limited to 20% of any amount outstanding on the lending after other recoveries from business assets.
Making operational changes to speed up lending approval.

The new rules about security will extend to loans already made to ensure all businesses are treated equally under the scheme. Although the government had previously banned the taking of security against principal private residences, many business owners were not prepared to offer any personal security at a time of such uncertainty.

A new Coronavirus Large Business Interruption Loan Scheme will offer 80% government guarantees on loans of up to £25million to businesses with an annual turnover of between £45million and £500million (the ‘squeezed middle’ who fell between the previously announced schemes of support for SMEs and larger businesses). These loans will be offered at commercial lending rates and further details will be announced shortly.

FIS to establish COVID-19 H&S Taskforce. There are a number of instances that are being identified in the Finishes and Interiors Sector where it may not be possible to comply with the 2m individual proximity rule. FIS is establishing a structured process to look at individual tasks and situations and is forming a taskforce to review the list, create appropriate risk assessments and identify options, that will ensure, where possible, works can continue safely. Through this process we aim to produce clear unambiguous guidance and a more agile approach to review innovative solutions and support the sharing of best practice. We are asking companies in our community to complete the this questionnaire to help initiate this work.

Template Resources

Guidance to issue to self-employed workers on reporting to work, risk mitigation and self-isolation

FIS Contractual and Legal Toolkit that includes standard letters to support lay-off, furlough and short-time working here

Guidance on Contractual Issues Caused by Coronavirus

Guidance to issue to self-employed workers on reporting to work, risk mitigation and self-isolation

The FIS Risk Management Tool has been updated to support key Cash Flow Management Guidance.

If you want to book an FIS Skills Clinic to help you to look at how you can optimise this support, simply email the FIS at info@thefis.org

FIS COVID-19 Update – 2 April 2020 – NOTE SINCE PUBLICATION VERSION TWO OF THE SITE OPERATING PROCEDURES WAS RECALLED AND VERSION ONE REINSTATED

Dear All

Managing some of the seemingly conflicting advice (the “where possible” effect) about the 2m rule where work is continuing has been a major concern for our sector – revised Site Operating Procedures have now been issued by the Construction Leadership Council. This now emphatically clarifies that:

There will be situations where it is not possible or safe for workers to distance themselves from each other by 2 metres. In these situations, work should not be carried out.

The full document can be downloaded in the Updates below.

Yesterday afternoon The Construction Leadership Council (CLC) wrote to the Prime Minister setting out a range of further measures that would help to support the construction sector at this time. These include suspending PAYE and CIS tax due in April and May, deferring or cancelling the Apprenticeship Levy, releasing retention monies held by the public sector, and extending business continuity grants. In the letter they also recognise how a lack of clarity in advice is now leading to serious issues in terms of materials availability and distribution.

I can honestly say that I have never been more proud to work with members of the FIS and as part of any community than in the past week – it has been inspiring to understand how people are rising to this crisis and sharing as a community. Please keep this information coming in. It is all helping and being used to help inform the wider industry and Government. On the flip side, at times, the construction sector as a whole has had me sat here with my head in my hands dealing with three main negatives – clients not paying (because people are on furlough or holiday), issuing draconian pay less notices (because they think they’ll be able to get away with it) and forcing people to work regardless of safety concerns. Just to re-iterate none of these are acceptable behaviour and we are intervening where we can and reporting to BuildUK, the Construction Leadership Council and Government directly where behaviours are not conducive to the collective effort that is required not just to cope with this initial period, but also that will effectively undermine the opportunity to ramp construction back up and get Britain Building again as quickly as possible.

All the best,

Iain

Iain McIlwee
CEO: Finishes and Interiors Sector
M: 07792 959 481 E: iainmcilwee@thefis.org

FIS Webinars

3 April 2020 – Midday-1pm: Conflict Resolution and COVID-19
The focus of the webinar will be a discussion of the common sense steps needed to be taken to navigate potential commercial pitfalls associated with delays to construction projects caused by Corvid-19. His advice will focus on record keeping, how to communicate effectively and structure your arguments to elicit collaboration and avoid conflict whilst at the same time protecting your business and people.

The webinar will be hosted by: Marc Preston BA(Hons) MRICS MCIOB MBACP, Managing Director of Vertice Development Management

8 April 2020 – Midday -1pm: Claiming R&D Tax Credits, a potential lifeline
With the continuing COVID-19 outbreak leaving many businesses in our sector unable to continue working as normal, many are now left counting costs. In a time where cash flow is scarce, I’d like to raise awareness among the membership of the important source of funding available via the government’s R&D tax incentives.

We’ve partnered with the UK’s largest R&D tax credit specialists, ForrestBrown, to bring you an important webinar on how you can quickly access this valuable funding.

FIS Webinars (listen again)

For a full list, click here

Latest Updates

New CLC Site Operating Procedures (v2) now emphatically clarifies that: There will be situations where it is not possible or safe for workers to distance themselves from each other by 2 metres. In these situations, work should not be carried out.

New Guidance for FIS and Cobra Insurance Issues Related to COVID-19

CLC letter to PM 01 April 2020: In response to the letter from Secretary of State Alok Sharma MP, The Construction Leadership Council writes to the Prime Minister to ask him to look again at support for construction businesses and clarity over a Minimum Essential Works list

CITB Skills and Training Fund now open:

Micro and small sized organisations can apply for funds up to £10,000 depending on the number of directly employed staff if:

You are a CITB-registered employer

You have less than 100 directly employed staff on the payroll
Any previous project paid for by the Skills and Training fund has been signed off as complete.
Medium sized organisations can apply for funds up to £25,000 depending on the number of directly employed staff if:

You are a CITB-registered employer

You have between 100 and 249 directly employed staff on the payroll
Any previous project paid for by the Skills and Training fund has been signed off as complete.
You can apply for funding once every 12 months.
You can apply for funding once every 12 months.

If you want to book an FIS Skills Clinic to help you to look at how you can optimise this support, simply email the FIS at info@thefis.org

Template Resources

FIS Contractual and Legal Toolkit that includes standard letters to support lay-off, furlough and short-time working here

Guidance on Contractual Issues Caused by Coronavirus

Guidance to issue to self-employed workers on reporting to work, risk mitigation and self-isolation

The FIS Risk Management Tool has been updated to support key Cash Flow Management Guidance.

FIS COVID-19 Update – 1 April 2020 pm

Dear All

Yesterday afternoon we received a letter from Alok Sharma, Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy that echoed the message from Grant Shapps MP (reported yesterday). In his letter he pays tribute to all those who are working tirelessly within the construction industry. Delivering on large or small construction sites across the country, in builders’ merchants and logistics providers, or producing construction and mineral products. He states “Our country and our economy needs all our support. And the construction industry has answered the call to action.”

It reinforces the message that construction should, where possible, continue. You can read the full letter in the link below.

Whilst the letter is welcome, Mr Sharma alludes to, but falls short of actually defining essential works, something we are asking for greater clarity on. In various calls yesterday we have highlighted the practicalities around continuing to work, particularly in light of inconsistency in the way that Government advice is being interpreted. Health and safety concerns (and the resulting liabilities) are naturally top of the list of, but availability of material and people as well as travel and shortages of vital PPE remain a challenge. We also continue to get reports of construction workers being abused for continuing to work and the negative publicity that this creates for the sector is damaging. It was for me disappointing that Michael Gove MP didn’t re-iterate the words of the Secretary of State in his Daily Briefing yesterday (it only came up in questions later).

Other points we have emphasised are that, where construction has been forced to stop, the delays in getting money to the self-employed workers is concerning – we must find quicker ways of releasing vital funds, further clarity in site operating procedures around how the 2m rule can be interpreted are needed, a stop on the unrealistic approach to LADs being applied by some main contractors and clients (noting also the pay less notices that are starting to appear) and Government neds to create pressure on their various departments and other clients/contractors to release retentions.

Please continue to feed in your concerns and any good news stories too, it was great to read yesterday how the FIS community rallied to support work on the conversion of the Excel Exhibition centre into the Nightingale Hospital. We need these stories to counter some of the negative publicity that construction is getting.

All the best,

Iain

Iain McIlwee
CEO: Finishes and Interiors Sector
M: 07792 959 481 E: iainmcilwee@thefis.org

FIS Webinars

1 April 2020 – 1-2 pm: Employment Law Advisors Citation are hosting a webinar for members specifically on Coronavirus, HR and Employment Law and the Job Retention Scheme.

The webinar will be hosted by: Marc Preston BA(Hons) MRICS MCIOB MBACP, Managing Director of Vertice Development Management

FIS Webinars (listen again)

For a full list, click here

Latest Updates

Secretary of State Alok Sharma writes an open letter to the construction industry to thank for our service.

To help protect health on construction sites and maintain social distancing during COVID-19, CITB has produced a toolbox talk for construction workers. Topics covered include: travelling to work and what to do if someone thinks they are unwell. More details, including posters for supervisors to display in the workplace, can be found here.

CITB focus on cash flow explained in a video, it outlines three steps:

levy collection delayed until August (at least)
20 week claiming rule suspended giving longer time for employers to grant. FIS is offering free skills clinics to help companies review their existing claims to ensure that they are optimising grant claim. To access email: info@thefis.org
Early payment of apprenticeship grants

Trade bodies in Scotland have set up the Construction Industry Coronavirus Forum to lead the industry response to the pandemic. The position on construction work in Scotland is not clear, with First Minister Nicola Sturgeon advising that “sites should close unless the building being worked on is essential – such as a hospital” without then specifying what else is considered essential. The Scottish Cabinet Secretary for Economy Fair Work and Culture has written to representatives in the industry, stating: “We are considering whether guidance could be issued to determine if a construction site can be safely operated in line with social distancing”.

Right to Work checks have been temporarily adjusted to make it easier for employers to carry them out during the coronavirus outbreak. Until further notice, employers do not need to see original documents and can complete Right to Work checks over video calls.

HMRC is running a series of webinars to provide an overview of the support available to help employers and your employees deal with the economic impacts of COVID-19.

Template Resources

FIS Contractual and Legal Toolkit that includes standard letters to support lay-off, furlough and short-time working here

Guidance on Contractual Issues Caused by Coronavirus

Guidance to issue to self-employed workers on reporting to work, risk mitigation and self-isolation

The FIS Risk Management Tool has been updated to support key Cash Flow Management Guidance.

FIS COVID-19 Update ‐ 31 March 2020

Dear All

Yesterday we hosted an excellent webinar with Damian James on some of the contractual issues that are emerging in the sector. You can hear this again. He re-iterated the basic advice that FIS is provide – do what is right, but do it properly. In this he highlighted the need to break things down in terms of records, documentations and notices, thinking about what stage you were at, time to consider whether safe working is possible and if it is safe to do so (and you can get material and people) how this will impact speed of work and also finally the impact of scaling up.

The Government continue to push the message that if it is safe to do so, work can continue – in an interview this morning Grant Shapps MP, the Transport Secretary, defended the Government’s approach to the lockdown, insisting there was a need for some people to continue travelling to work.

“Otherwise, we will be in a position where we can’t re-start the economy and millions of people will be forced into a poverty situation that would do more harm than the virus itself. That’s really the balance.”

Vital is that we as a sector protect our people in this and if you cannot adhere to Public Health England Social Distancing Requirements then work should not be taking place. Where sites need to close, it is vital to do this safely and we have new guidance on this included below. Please do let us know of issues you are encountering in terms of adhering to this and any residual payment, contractual concerns that you may have. Also keep us posted on accessing Government Support, we are here to help.

Beyond this and our focus on urging Government to get greater clarity on essential works and key worker status for construction, retention release and negative contractual behaviours and looking at how CIS workers can be better supported and crucially too at mechanisms to fast-track any repayment and ensuring that the support mechanisms in place work for our members.

If there is any additional support you need or webinars that you need us to cover, please do feed in.

All the best,

Iain

Iain McIlwee
CEO: Finishes and Interiors Sector
M: 07792 959 481 E: iainmcilwee@thefis.org

FIS Webinars (listen again)

For a full list, click here

Latest Updates

The Construction Leadership Council, working with the Construction Coronavirus Taskforce, has developed new guidance – Advice on temporary suspension of sites – to ensure that any closures can be achieved as safely as possible, avoiding potential issues while the site is not active. This guidance is available here. Members who are leaving offices vacant during this time are reminded to consult with their insurers regarding the extent of cover for an unoccupied building.

No change for construction on the daily briefing. The UK’s chief scientific adviser Sir Patrick Vallance says there has been a “dramatic fall-off” in the use of the London Underground, as well as a decrease in the use of buses, national rail, and motor vehicles. He highlights half of all hospital admissions are in London.

A Letter of Authorisation template for the use of companies operating as critical workers or in accordance with Public Health England’s Social Distancing Guidance. Concerns have been that people have been stopped by the police whilst travelling to construction sites. We have received an update from BEIS as of the 3th March that all chief constables have be sent the pro forma letter and Government policy clarification.

The Construction Minister, Nadhim Zahawi finally spoke up in The Telegraph on Sunday: “These businesses need to be defended, because we need to minimise the damage to our economy where possible, and be ready to spring back into action as soon as this lockdown is over. There will always be some work that cannot be done from home, whether it is construction or packing boxes in an Amazon warehouse – but we still need houses built and for deliveries to be made”. FIS is calling for consistency of message, and is disappointed that this tone is not reflected in the Daily briefings.

Coronavirus (COVID-19): an update on the Grenfell Tower site – In response to government advice on the Covid-19 pandemic, the re-wrapping of the Tower has been paused to avoid staff going on-site or using public transport. The re-wrapping progressed well in March, and the remaining ‘older’ wrapping on the lower floors is in good condition. We do not believe pausing the re-wrapping is a cause for concern, but the team is happy to take any questions you might have.

The FIS Risk Management Tool has been updated to support key Cash Flow Management Guidance.

HMRC is running a series of webinars to provide an overview of the support available to help employers and your employees deal with the economic impacts of COVID-19. You can book a spot on one of these here.

The Construction Leadership Council welcomes the launch today of the Construction Industry Council Low Value Disputes Model Adjudication Procedure (LVD MAP). This adjudication procedure will help SMEs in the construction industry to resolve disputes simply, quickly and cost-effectively. More here

Template Resources

FIS Contractual and Legal Toolkit that includes standard letters to support lay-off, furlough and short-time working here

Guidance on Contractual Issues Caused by Coronavirus