by Clair Mooney | May 2, 2021 | Sustainability, Technical
The Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS) has opened a consultation on introducing a performance-based policy framework in large commercial and industrial buildings. This consultation sets out the government’s proposals to introduce a national performance-based policy framework for rating the energy and carbon performance of commercial and industrial buildings above 1,000m² in England and Wales, with annual ratings and mandatory disclosure as the first step. The consultation closes on 9 June.
In the impact assessment document it is asserted that information failures, behavioural barriers and split incentives, mean the operational performance of commercial and industrial buildings in terms of how well they use energy, is inefficiently poor, and not net zero consistent. This causes overuse of energy, and hence higher Green House Gas emissions. A key part of resolving this is having a consistent means of assessing buildings’ operational performance. Existing measures of building performance, such as the Energy Performance Certificate, do not adequately reflect their real performance, and this is particularly acute for larger buildings. Government intervention is required as this information must be developed at the level of the entire stock, and existing market-driven interventions cover a small minority of the stock.
The consultation is in 2 parts:
The impact assessment accompanies the Phase One: Office Sector consultation and provides supporting analysis on the proposals.
We welcome responses from all contributors with an interest in these proposals, but would like to hear in particular from:
- owners and tenants of commercial and industrial buildings above 1,000m²
- investors, asset managers and lenders
- energy consultants
- facilities management companies
- businesses involved in retrofit of these buildings
- the wider market
For more information and how to respond
For more information and to respond to the consultation click here. If you are responding, it would be helpful if you could direct key points to FIS to support any response we make on behalf of the community. Key questions from the consultation are provided below.
Consultation Questions
- Do you have any evidence which supports, disputes, or could add to, the evidence presented by the Government in this chapter? In terms of the evidence presented in this chapter, do you support the Government’s analysis?
- Do you support the rationale set out in this chapter? If so, are there any changes you would make or considerations you would add to the rationale the Government has set out? If not, could you please explain why, providing evidence where possible.
- Do you support the Government’s proposal to underpin a performance-based policy framework with a rating that looks to modernise the DEC, in the ways set out above? If so, are there any changes you would make or considerations you would add to the proposal? If not, could you please explain why, providing evidence where possible.
- The Government proposes that, as a first step, building owners and single tenants should be required to obtain an annual performance-based rating, and disclose that rating online. Do you support this proposition? If so, are there any changes or amendments you would make to the proposal? If not, could you please explain why, providing evidence where possible.
- What is the best way to support Small and Medium Enterprises in obtaining annual performance based ratings, where the owner of the building or the single tenant is an SME?
- Should the Government:
- Allow owners of buildings above 1,000m² to use their annual performance-based rating to satisfy their existing regulatory obligation to present a valid EPC before a building is sold or let. As set out above, under this option the Government would continue to collect data about fabric and service improvements. Where prospective buyers or tenants want information about the building fabric and services, EPCs can be obtained on a voluntary basis.
- Continue to require owners of buildings above 1,000m² to present a valid EPC where the building is sold or let, recognising that the EPC and a performance-based rating assess different things, and can collectively provide a better level of information about the building than either rating would in isolation.
Please outline your preferred option and your reasoning, providing evidence where possible. Please set out any changes or amendments you would make to the options, or if you would favour a different option. An appraisal of the benefits and risks of both options, providing evidence where possible, would help inform the Government’s decision making.
- Recognising that the Government has committed to review the threshold for each sector, do you consider 1,000m² to be a sensible starting position for determining which buildings should be required to obtain annual performance-based ratings?
- Should the Government consider expanding the performance-based rating to cover factors such as water, waste and indoor air quality? What do you consider would be the benefits of this approach? Would there be any drawbacks?
- Has the Government identified what you consider to be the right objectives for a successful delivery model?
- Do you support the Government’s proposal that the annual rating should not be accompanied by recommendations for improving the rating? If so, are there any changes you would make or considerations you would add to the proposal? If not, could you please explain why, providing evidence where possible.
- Do you support the Government’s proposal that exemptions should be limited to a relatively few buildings? Are there any grounds for an exemption that you feel are appropriate, which the Government has not considered? Ahead of the findings from the Government’s research project we also welcome views on how the requirement to obtain and disclose an annual rating could be enforced most effectively.
- Are there any considerations you would like to add to the Government’s analysis of the factors that are likely to drive improvements in ratings? Do you support the Government’s proposals to improve ratings from day one?
- Do you consider that linking a clear financial incentive, or disincentive, to annual performance[1]based ratings would be an effective way to drive improvements in those ratings?
- What do you consider would be the impact of the incentives and interventions that have been suggested? Are there ways you think those incentives or interventions could be made more effective? Are there other incentives or interventions that the Government has not considered here, which you believe would be more effective at ensuring ratings improve over time?
- Do you agree with the Government’s assessment and preferred approach? Please provide evidence or case studies, where possible, in your response.
- Do you agree that flexible energy use should be a core component of the rating? What is the best way, technically, to reflect flexible energy use in the rating structure?
- Do you agree with the Government’s preferred option to use a star rating format? Are there any formats which the Government has not considered that you believe could be more effective?
- The Government welcomes feedback on the considerations outlined above. What are the key factors that the Government should consider in determining fair and effective rating benchmarks and a fair and effective rating scale? Where possible, please provide evidence, or case studies, to support your feedback.
- Subject to the outcome of this consultation, the government will work with the ratings administrator, and with industry experts, to tailor the framework appropriately to each sector. At this stage, the Government welcomes any additional feedback on the high-level technical considerations outlined in this chapter, especially where there may be key considerations that we may have not addressed, or not been able to cover. Where possible, it would be helpful if you could provide evidence and case studies to support your response.
by Clair Mooney | Apr 29, 2021 | Skills
Employer representative bodies are being asked by government to step forward and lead pilots for new local skills improvement plans (LSIP). First mooted in the FE white paper, the plans will aim to make colleges align the courses they offer to local employers’ needs.
They are hoped to address concerns that employers do not currently have enough influence over the skills provision offered in their locality and struggle to find staff to fill their skills gaps. Keith Smith, the director for post-16 strategy at the Department for Education, told an FE Week webcast last month that new legislation is being worked on to enable the education secretary to intervene where colleges refuse to deliver courses decided through LSIPs. Led by “established employer representative bodies”, such as chambers of commerce, as a Trade Body FIS is an Employer Representative Body, the plans will be piloted in six to eight trailblazer areas this year, backed with £4 million of revenue funding. The funding must be spent by the end of March 2022.
In application guidance published last week, the Department for Education said the plans will “set out the key changes needed to make technical skills training more responsive to employers’ skills needs within a local area”. They should be created in collaboration with colleges and training providers, with employers setting out a credible and evidence-based assessment of their skills needs, to which providers will be empowered to respond. The plans will help ensure provision is more responsive to emerging and changing skills needs and being locally driven, can be tailored to the challenges and opportunities most relevant to the area, the guidance added. In the longer-term, the government hopes LSIPs will support and complement its reforms to the FE funding system, which will give providers more autonomy to use government funding to meet the skills needs of local employers.
In return, the DfE adds, we will reform the accountability system to focus less on process and more on the effectiveness of provider performance and the outcomes they achieve. By taking a more outcome-focused approach, providers will be incentivised to continually review their provision to ensure it leads to meaningful employment for their learners, scaling back where there is an oversupply of provision and expanding other areas in line with agreed LSIP priorities, the department continues. The plans will be put on a statutory footing and DfE promises to “develop an accountability structure for local areas to ensure that providers are engaging in the process and contributing to actions they have agreed.
George Swann, FIS Skills and Training Lead says: this is great news, it means colleges will be duty bound to provide training and qualifications that meet local employer demand. I encourage FIS employer members to get involved with this, get together and tell us what you expect from your local college what skills you need to support your business.
by Clair Mooney | Apr 29, 2021 | Skills
CITB has announced that they are retaining the CITB National Construction Colleges (NCC) in Norfolk and Glasgow. The facilities offer mainstream and apprentice training in Dry Lining, Partitions and Ceiling Fixing. More details about the training available can be found here.
by Clair Mooney | Apr 29, 2021 | Skills
The new flexi-job apprenticeship schemes were announced by the Chancellor in the last Budget. It is proposed that the schemes will build on the existing Apprenticeship Training Agency model, to allow employers to join forces and access funding to create new or expand existing schemes to boost the use of apprenticeships in sectors with non-traditional employment patterns, including construction. DfE will launch the flexi-job apprenticeships fund in July 2021 with employers set to be invited to bid for a share of a £7 million fund to create and test new flexi-apprenticeships schemes, with the first approved flexi-job apprenticeships expected to start in January 2022.
A consultation seeking views on DfE vision and operating framework for flexi-job apprenticeship schemes as a means to increase the use of apprenticeships in certain sectors and professions. Apprenticeships are more important than ever in equipping individuals and businesses with the skills they need as we build back better from the coronavirus (covid-19) outbreak. Government want to make sure apprenticeships reflect modern models of employment for all employers in all sectors. They are developing portable apprenticeships, putting apprentices in the driving seat and enabling them to move between employers in industries where short-term contracts are the norm. This consultation asks you to consider how flexi-job apprenticeship schemes can support the growth of apprenticeships in sectors where short-term and project-based contracts are the norm. To complete the survey please go to: Flexi-Job Apprenticeships: Reshaping the role of Apprenticeship Training Agencies – Page 1 of 7 – Department for Education – Citizen Space
This flexi-job apprenticeship consultation will close on 1 June 2021.
George Swann said: “This scheme has potential for encouraging employers in the finishes and interiors sector to collaborate in the training of apprentices. Although the focus is on the duration of the apprenticeship programme, a Flexi-job apprenticeship could provide individuals with more variety than they may get when working with a single employer, which could ensure they cover every criteria listed in the Apprenticeship Standard prior to the end test. FIS will keep a watchful eye on this as it develops. Please take a few minutes to complete the survey”.
by Clair Mooney | Apr 29, 2021 | Main News Feed
From May 2021 HSE will be seeking the views of a wide range of stakeholders about the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012. This exercise is part of a second post implementation review (PIR) of the regulations, following the first PIR published in 2017.
The review will seek to establish if the regulations continue to meet their objectives, remain appropriate and are still the best means to minimise exposure to asbestos.
The exercise, using an online survey, will open in late May. Look out for further details next month.
by Clair Mooney | Apr 29, 2021 | Main News Feed
Developed with the help of industry stakeholders, HSE has published a work-related Stress Talking Toolkit for the construction sector.
Starting the conversation is an important first step in preventing work-related stress, and the toolkit will help to do that.
This is the first time HSE has produced something specifically for the construction industry on work-related stress. The industry has introduced its own initiatives to help promote positive mental health and support those in need. The new toolkit builds on this work and is a key part of a wider approach to managing mental health on construction sites.
The toolkit is primarily aimed at small and medium sized businesses with a regular workforce (employed and contracted) who wish to be proactive in addressing this issue. However, it is a flexible tool that can be used across the whole industry. Download the Talking Toolkit and find out more about work-related stress at https://www.hse.gov.uk/stress/
by Clair Mooney | Apr 29, 2021 | Main News Feed
Workers from the EU or EEA who were living in the UK before 31 December 2020 that wish to continue living and working in the UK without a visa from 1 July need to apply to the EU Settlement Scheme by 30 June 2021. Workers will receive settled or pre‐settled status depending on how long they have been living in the UK when they apply.
Whilst it is the responsibility of the individual to submit an application, businesses may wish to provide support to their employees, and there is a comprehensive pack for employers containing a range of useful resources you can share with employees to help them apply.
by Clair Mooney | Apr 29, 2021 | Main News Feed
From 1 April 2021 until 31 March 2023, companies investing in qualifying new plant and machinery assets will be able to claim a 130% super‐deduction capital allowance and a 50% first‐year allowance for qualifying special rate assets. This will allow companies to reduce their tax bill by up to 25p for every £1 they invest. Qualifying plant and machinery include lorries and vans, ladders, drills and cranes, as well as computer equipment and servers, and office chairs and desks.
With much of the UK’s productivity gap attributable to low levels of business investment, the Government is hoping that the super‐deduction will give companies a strong incentive to bring planned investments forward and make additional investments. Further information can be found in the Government’s factsheet.
by Clair Mooney | Apr 28, 2021 | Skills
A new manual, co-authored by industry and government, has today been published to set out how flexibilities in apprenticeships can be used and delivered in construction – to meet the needs of employers and apprentices.
Apprenticeships have been on a transformational journey since 2012, with reforms such as the introduction of employer led standards leading the way in ensuring apprenticeships are relevant, high quality, and meet the skills needs of employers. In 2020, the Prime Minister committed to building on this success, and making apprenticeships more flexible, to better meet the needs of employers and apprentices.
The ‘Flexible Apprenticeships in Construction’ manual sets out:
- how the delivery of apprenticeship training can be flexed to meet employer needs; and
- how the length of an apprenticeship can be reduced where an individual has existing relevant knowledge or skills.
Some employers are already making use of apprenticeship flexibilities and are seeing the benefits of this, in workforce satisfaction, productivity, and improved value for money.
George Swann, FIS Skills and Training Lead said “This manual fully explains and gives examples of how off-the-job training can be flexed to meet individual employer needs. It includes information and case studies about: Flexible training models, options for delivering off-the-job training, including front-loading blocks of training at the beginning of an apprenticeship. Accelerated apprenticeships, approaches to adjusting the content and duration of apprenticeship training plans through recognition of prior learning.
Any delivery process will be restricted by what the Universities, Colleges or Independent Training Providers can or are willing to deliver. Employers must contact and negotiate with the Training Providers to get the best deal in a format that suits the individual apprentices and your organisations needs. Use this manual to bust the jargon and ensure you know what the training provider is offering and remember to confirm your employer responsibilities to the apprenticeship training programme and what you can expect from the training provider and don’t forget to fully brief your apprentice.”
Employers should think creatively about how they can tailor apprenticeship training to meet their needs. Be it through a flexible delivery model, such as front loading which can support apprentices new to the sector to hit the ground running, to delivering accelerated apprenticeships for more experienced individuals who are able to build on their existing skills and complete more quickly.
The manual can be downloaded here or you can visit www.gov.uk/employ-an-apprentice for more information.
Employer incentives payments, in place until September 2021, mean there is £3000 available for every apprentice hired.
by Clair Mooney | Apr 28, 2021 | Main News Feed
The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has published an opinion piece detailing why construction companies must take cartel risk, where rivals get together and break competition rules, seriously. In recent years the CMA has fined construction firms £67 million across five competition law cases. As well as large fines for the companies, 11 directors in total were disqualified from acting as directors as a result of these cases. There have also been two criminal convictions.
The CMA is urging the wider industry to take note to avoid making similar mistakes, reminding company directors of their responsibility to lead by example and be aware of how their organisation is operating.
A campaign has been launched by the CMA, ‘Cheating or Competing’ which feaures a new collection of construction case studies alongside advice for the sector. The authority is also working with procurement officials across central and local government, to make it easier for them to spot and report suspected illegal activity.
To find out more, visit the CMA ‘Cheating or Competing’ campaign page’
Actions for industry
- Be clear on competition rules set out by the CMA.
- Check your business practices and come forward if you think you have been involved or have witnessed illegal behaviour.
- Reporting a cartel you were involved in, and co-operating with a CMA investigation, is the best route to leniency that could mean immunity from fines, prosecutions and disqualifications.
- Note that whistleblowers who report cartels can receive financial rewards.
by Clair Mooney | Apr 28, 2021 | Main News Feed
Mental health is important all year round, but Mental Health Awareness Week is especially important because extra efforts are raised to reduce the negative stigma associated with mental health.
This year Mental Health Awareness Week will take place between 10-16 May and The Lighthouse Club is offering 125 free places on its MHFA Mental Health Awareness half day training. These courses pro-actively support the industry’s mental health by training people to look after their own wellbeing and have the confidence to give support to others who may need it.
For more information and to sign up visit https://www.lighthouseclub.org/mental-health-awareness/
by Clair Mooney | Apr 27, 2021 | Main News Feed, Market data
Construction activity continued throughout the first quarter of 2021, and double-digit growth is forecast this year, according to the Construction Product Association’s latest Spring Forecast published today. With the whole supply chain (architects, consultants, contractors, SMEs, manufacturers and merchants) permitted to operate during the winter lockdown restrictions, activity was not hit as hard compared to the initial lockdown in the first half of 2020 or other sectors of the economy. The CPA forecasts that it will be next year before the industry recovers the output lost in 2020 and returns to 2019 levels, however. It also highlights significant risks to the construction sector’s recovery from 2021, including supply constraints for key imported construction products and uncertainty around demand for housing new builds, and repair, maintenance and improvements works (rm&i) and commercial space.
Construction output is forecast to rise by 12.9% in 2021 and 5.2% in 2022 compared with 14.0% in 2021 and 4.9% in 2022 in the CPA’s winter main scenario. The downward revision to the growth forecast for 2021 reflects a higher base for construction output in 2020, with official data reporting a smaller fall than initially anticipated of 12.5% in 2020 compared to 2019. The UK economy faltered in 2021 Q1 due to the impacts of the third national lockdown on the services sector that accounts for 81% of UK GDP. For construction, however, activity accelerated in the first quarter of the year, although the story varies amongst its various sectors.
Infrastructure was least affected by the initial lockdown as it was considerably easier to enact site operating procedures and other safety measures on large sites. In 2021, output is set to increase by 29.3%, reaching its highest level on record. This will be driven by activity on major projects such as HS2, despite the announcement of further delays and cost overruns, as well as activity on long-term frameworks in regulated sectors such as water, roads, electricity and broadband.
Extensions to the stamp duty holiday, Help to Buy and job support schemes are expected to help sustain demand in private housing and private housing rm&i. Private housing, which was the worst-affected construction sector in the initial lockdown is expected to continue its strong recovery in 2021 with the Chancellor’s mortgage guarantee scheme likely to enable demand in the general housing market. Coupled with expectations of rising house prices during the year, starts activity is forecast to gather pace in 2022. In addition, demand for contracted-out improvements projects, outdoor and office-related space requirements at home is likely to be maintained by households with higher incomes and those that have built up savings due to a reduction in commuting and work-related expenses.
Commenting on the Spring Forecast, CPA Economics Director Noble Francis, said: “Whilst outlook is largely positive, the recovery in commercial – the third-largest construction sector – is expected to be muted given a lack of major investment in new projects, particularly in Central London. Questions remain over future demand of commercial space, particularly in offices and retail, which may be converted into residential or warehousing and logistics, if homeworking and online spending persists in the long-term.
“More notably, however, there are significant risks to the recovery in the form of supply constraints in terms of extended lead times and sharp rises in costs for vital imported products such as paints and varnishes, timber, roofing materials, copper, steel and polymers. This may hinder the ability of construction activity to increase in line with our forecast. Furthermore, concerns remain whether the high levels of demand for housing new build and rm&i can be maintained after the government stimulus and policy measures end on 30 September, particularly the furloughing and self-employment income schemes and stamp duty holiday.”
by Clair Mooney | Apr 26, 2021 | Main News Feed
The Construction Leadership Council has supported a new tool to drive better value in the delivery of future construction projects.
Today (26 April 2021) industry gets its first look at the Value Toolkit, an initiative that has been developed by the Construction Innovation Hub to drive value-based decision-making for construction.
The toolkit is intended to support the industry to move away from cost-based approaches to assessing projects, instead targeting better social, environmental and economic outcomes for every pound spent on buildings and infrastructure.
Construction Leadership Council members have been heavily involved in the development of the toolkit which is now moving into its pilot phase with 20 organisations looking to use under test toolkit on real life projects over the next six months.
CLC co-chair Andy Mitchell said: “At its core the Construction Leadership Council looks to find ways for the industry to harness innovation, skills and technology to deliver the outcomes wanted by the public. As such, we are delighted to support the development of the Value Toolkit, which is fully aligned with our mission.
“We want to commend the team that has developed the Toolkit, and encourage colleagues from across industry to support its pilot phase, as well as its wider roll out later this year.”
by Clair Mooney | Apr 23, 2021 | Market data
The latest weekly update from the CPA is available to members here. The updated issues are in pages 1-7 including:
- ONS UK Retail Sales (March 2021)
- GfK UK Consumer Confidence (April 2021)
- RIBA Future Trends Survey (March 2021)
- UK Construction Vacancies (March 2021)
- HMRC UK Residential Property Transactions (March 2021)
- ONS UK House Prices (February 2021)
- Barbour ABI Home Improvers Report 2021 (April 2021)
Subsequent pages have existing construction data that remain relevant.
The CPA’s latest forecasts (Spring 2021) will be published on Monday 26 April with an associated webinar that will go through key issues in the forecasts on Wednesday 28 April at 11am. CPA members can register to attend here.
by Clair Mooney | Apr 23, 2021 | Main News Feed
This week the Prime Minister reaffirmed that data supports keeping to the easing of lockdown roadmap. He emphasised that the UK, despite vaccine roll-out success, could be hit by a third wave of Coronavirus and announced the creation of a new antiviral taskforce to focus on rapid response in vaccine development.
The Scottish First Minister confirmed the most significant stage in lockdown easing on Tuesday signalling Scotland’s move to Level 3. From Monday 26 April, Scotland will see the reopening of hospitality, gyms and non-essential shops. Non-essential work inside people’s homes will also be possible – such as painting, decorating, or repairing, and the return of those in the shielding category to the workplace. Read the timetable for easing restrictions in Scotland.
In Wales, 6 people from 6 households can meet outdoors in Wales from Saturday, and in pub beer gardens once they reopen next week. Pressure is mounting on the First Minister to bring forward reopening plans for the indoor hospitality sector into line with England and Scotland, on 17 May. Read the current rules for Wales.
In Northern Ireland from 30 April, non-essential shops, hairdressers and outdoor areas at pubs and restaurants can reopen. You can also stay overnight in self-contained accommodation but only with your household or bubble. Read the guidance on current restrictions here.
In Engalnd, more businesses and venues were able to reopen from 12 April, such as non-essential shops, outdoor areas at pubs and restaurants, hairdressers, and gyms. Read the full guidance on what you can now do.
For all COVID updates, visit the FIS COVID-19 Hub here.
by Clair Mooney | Apr 22, 2021 | Insurance, Market data
FIS latest quarterly trends survey shows that there is cautious optimism in the sector, but recovery is patchy.
The latest data gathered as part of the wider Construction Products Association quarterly trends survey shows that Overall 50% of respondents reported increased quarterly sales in Q1 2021, however workload remains constrained, with the balance reporting workloads slipping back on a quarterly basis. The spread of the response is indicative of the patchy nature of recovery. The market is, however becoming increasingly optimistic with a balance of 63% expecting increased sales in the next quarter and 26% anticipating this will convert into actual work.
Shortage is the watchword for 2021 in the finishes and interiors sector and this has manifested in inflation through the supply chain. Over the past 12 months shortage in key materials hit the headlines (e.g. plaster and plasterboard) largely driven by COVID related production issues. In 2021 whilst issues related to gypsum products has eased, more globalised issues related to steel, screws and fixings, timber and now polymeric products such as sealants are starting to drive allocation and extended lead times. We have also seen shipping and transport costs impacted by Brexit, but this now seems to be easing. Outside of these figures the rising cost of insurance and availability of cover has been raised as a concern.
FIS CEO, Iain McIlwee stated “I think if we knew 12 months ago we would expected to have seen far worse numbers, on the whole there are a lot of positives in there. These figures are consistent with conversations we are having with members, there is work out there, but some sectors and regions are lighter than others and it is difficult to take a longer term view. I take confidence from conversations with the Bank of England this week about long term investment patterns, but I am a little wary that the delays in work and decisions will leave a bit of an air bubble in the system and that cash, material and labour shortages will make things tricky for many in balancing things over the next 12 months”.
Iain McIlwee, FIS Chief Executive
by Clair Mooney | Apr 22, 2021 | Main News Feed
The Scottish Government has produced guidance to support businesses across Scotland to reopen safely by providing posters and digital assets that can be used to promote the latest guidance and regulations to employees and customers.
The Toolkit – Helping your business to reopen safely can be accessed here.
Businesses are encourgaed to utilise the toolkit and display them in key spaces where staff and the general public can see them. The guidance and regulations promoted in the resources are critical in our combined efforts to enable businesses to reopen safely while minimising the spread of COVID-19.
The campaign toolkit includes the following resources:
· 5 posters, covering messaging for both business staff and customers
· 4 social / digital posts
· An A5 leaflet
· A window sticker
by Clair Mooney | Apr 22, 2021 | Labour, Skills
There have been reports of up to 60% labour not being available by some FIS members. With this in mind, FIS has two projects specifically designed to attract people into the sector. In addition, the Governments Plan for Jobs has four initiatives that rely on employers’ willingness to provide work placements and/or for T-Level students industrial placements.
Critical to the success of these two projects is the commitment from employers to give individuals a chance by offering work placements.
FIS Build Back Programme
This programme accepts individuals from a range of backgrounds including HM Forces Career Progression candidates and clients put forward by the Department for Work & Pensions (DWP). To help prepare the candidates for work, each learner receives training in drylining finxing and boarding and are supplied with personal protective equipment, a set of tools and a CSCS Provisional Card. The candidates just need an opportunity to show employers what they can do during a work placement. This may ultimately lead to a full-time work opportunity and will also add new talent to the workforce.
There are currently 43 HM Force Career Progression candidates that have received Fixer Boarder training available for work placement now. Please contact Catherine Bullough by email: catherinebullough@thefis.org for details.
FIS Kickstart Programme
This is part of the Government’s Plan for Jobs; we help employers fill their new vacancies. By working with the DWP, FIS can help to source suitable candidates for a six-month job placement within the business. Once successful candidates are placed with the company, the employer is entitled to claim a support grant of £1500 plus the national minimum wage salary payments based on 25 hours per week.
For more details on these projects and to register your interest in offering work placements please contact Catherine Bullough, Skills and Training Coordinator on 07900 083325 or email catherinebullough@thefis.org
by Clair Mooney | Apr 21, 2021 | Main News Feed
Residents across England will be better protected as the government takes the next step to ensure materials used to build the nation’s homes are safe and tested properly.
Housing Secretary Robert Jenrick has today (20 April 2021) appointed two experts to lead an independent review of the system for testing construction products. Former government adviser and construction expert Paul Morrell OBE will be the chair of the independent panel, along with legal expert Anneliese Day QC.
The review, announced earlier this year, will examine how to strengthen the current system for testing construction products to provide confidence that these materials are safe and perform as marketed.
The review forms part of the government’s ongoing programme of work to reform and strengthen building safety regulation and comes after testimony to the Grenfell Tower Inquiry exposed evidence of testing irregularities and potential gaming of the system by some manufacturers.
Housing Secretary Rt Hon Robert Jenrick MP said:
The Grenfell Tower Inquiry has heard deeply concerning suggestions that some construction product manufacturers may have gamed the system for testing these materials and compromised the safety of residents.
We are taking these allegations very seriously and will await the Inquiry’s final recommendations – but it is clear that action is needed now to ensure products used on buildings always meet the highest safety standards.
I am pleased to appoint Paul Morrell OBE and Anneliese Day QC to lead this independent review of the system for testing construction products that will build on the significant progress we have already made to make buildings safer.
The panel will engage with a wide range of stakeholders to seek their views on how the system of safety testing of construction products could be improved and will report later this year with recommendations.
The government has already announced that a new National Regulator for Construction Products will be established within the Office of Product Safety and Standards and be given powers to remove any product from the market that presents a significant safety risk; and prosecute and fine any company that breaks the rules.
These measures form part of the government’s wider, ambitious reform of the sector, which includes the draft Building Safety Bill, that will bring the biggest improvements to building safety standards in 40 years and strengthen the regulation of construction products.
by Clair Mooney | Apr 21, 2021 | Main News Feed, Transformation
The role of the Industry Safety Steering Group (ISSG) is to report on the progress of the construction industry in delivering culture change to support greater building safety; and to challenge and hold industry to account on behalf of the Secretary of State for the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government.
Andy Mitchell (Co-Chair of the CLC), Graham Watts and Peter Caplehorn (Co-chairs of the CLC Building Safety workstream) attended an ISSG meeting in late 2020 to report on progress of developing the CLC Building Safety workstream. Following on from this meeting, correspondence has been exchanged between Dame Judith Hackitt and Andy Mitchell.
The letters can be read here: ISSG to CLC – December 2020, CLC to ISSG – April 2021
