Review of Shortage Occupations List

Review of Shortage Occupations List

The Migration Advisory Committee (MAC) has recommended to Government that just eight occupations across the whole economy should be on the Shortage Occupations List (SOL) going forward, including three in construction (bricklayers and masons; roofers, roof tilers and slaters; and construction and building trades not elsewhere classified).

The reason cited is:

“Whilst respondents provided evidence of shortage, there was insufficient evidence provided by stakeholders about measures that had been taken to try to attract more workers. The occupation is of clear public value but attempts to fill the shortages should be made by the industry with the tools available, such as efforts to increase direct employment, creating attractive terms and conditions and benefits packages, and using the existing SW route. Only if these attempts are made but do not solve shortages, should the SOL be considered as a next step.”

However, the MAC is calling on Government to confirm whether or not the Skilled Worker route should be expanded to include low‐wage RQF 3 occupations in order to determine the future of the SOL.

In what would be a significant change of policy, the MAC proposes that the SOL should be either abolished or heavily reformed if Government does not support such occupations being included, in order to meet the demand for labour whilst ensuring that low‐wage workers are protected. The CLC is currently considering its response to the MAC report.

Commenting on the recommendations FIS CEO stated:

“At this stage these are only recommendations and I hope that Government show a bit of pragmatism and leadership.  The reality is that they have only just, in August!, added key trades like Dry Lining and Plastering to the Shortage List following consultation at the start of the year.   We are moving in to farcical terriotory here, not much is going to have changed in six weeks!! 

It is true that there are serious shortfalls in construction training, but they are not limited to construction.  Apprenticeship targets have been missed then removed across the economy as employers are being stifled by educational policy that just isn’t fit for purpose –  the fact Government have trousered £4.3 billion of unclaimed apprenticeship levy is testament to this.

This is compounded in construction by procurement practices that only encourage shortermism and don’t reward vital things like investment in training.  It would be more helpful for MAC to focus on the shortages and needs and Government look inward to encourage reform in education and support for training or as construction picks up the rapant wage rate inflation in wake of cronic shortages will mean construction works and vital investment in the UK will be jeopardised.”

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Construction output rose by 1.1% in volume in January 2024

Construction output rose by 1.1% in volume in January 2024

Monthly Construction Update for January Construction output is projected to have declined by 0.9% in the three months leading up to January 2024, primarily due to a drop in new work by 4.5%, while repair and maintenance saw an increase of 4.0%. The decline in the...

Product Platform Rulebook Update

Product Platform Rulebook Update

Delivered as part of the Government’s Transforming Construction programme, the Product Platform Rulebook is a shining example of what can be achieved when government and industry come together to drive change. The Rulebook remains one of the Construction Innovation...

CIJC Promulgation Notice

CIJC Promulgation Notice

The Construction Industry Joint Council (CIJC) has released an updated Promulgation Notice to account for the rises in the National Minimum Wage and National Living Wage starting from April 1st. The General Operative rate will be raised to £11.44 per hour, and the...

Funding available for NVQ Levels 2 and 3

Funding available for NVQ Levels 2 and 3

FIS Training Provider member DMR has a suite of funding available for FIS members in Greater Manchester, Greater London and England.

  • Greater Manchester: Greater Manchester Combined Authority Funding
    NVQ Level 2 & 3 in Drylining, Joinery, Fitted Interiors, Passive Fire Protection and more.
  • Greater London: Mayor of London Funding
    NVQ Level 2 & 3 for Insulation and Retrofit Firms.
  • England: Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ) Funding
    Fully funded NVQ 2 & 3 in Insulation. Funding covers all Insulation and Retrofit trades and is available to eligible firms in England including those seeking PAS 2030 certification for ECO4 work.

For more information and the terms and conditions that apply to these funding options, please contact Marie Flinter on 07799 903103 or email marieflinter@thefis.org

Guidance for contractors carrying out a pre fit-out audit

Guidance for contractors carrying out a pre fit-out audit

According to Defra, the construction industry is responsible for 68 million tonnes of construction and demolition wastes each year. While 92% of those wastes are recovered, that still leaves 5 million tonnes going to landfill. It is also understood that most of construction and demolition wastes are crushed and used in low value applications. Products installed in buildings, in particular, in fit out projects, are often taken out of buildings before the end of their useful life because, for example, a new tenants moves in. this generates large amount of unnecessary wastes.

As the pressure on the sector is growing to reduce its environmental impact, there is a need to identify products before the building is stripped out – this can be done through a visual audit which can identify type, quantities and locations of the products.

To support this, FIS has published a document, based on the CIWM pre-redevelopment audit protocol, to guide contractors through the best practice approach of carrying pre-fitout audit. The document explains who is best placed to do it, why it is important, when is best to do it and what the audit should contain.

Pre Fit Out Audit

The pre fit-out audit guide builds on the CIWM pre-redevelopment audit protocol to provide a specific best practice approach for the fit-out sector. This document should be used in conjunction with the table of platforms that have been identified to divert wastes from landfill/incineration. It was developed by the FIS sustainability leadership group.

FIS launches contract review service

FIS launches contract review service

As part of our service offering, FIS provide a contract, QS and legal helpline service.  Demand for this helpline has increased in recent months and concerns have been highlighted related to the level of risk (particularly around design and delay associated with the new regulatory environment) being passed through the supply chain.  In response to this we have identified the need to introduce a new FIS Contract Review Service.

Unlike the helpline, which reacts to member enquiries once a problem has been identified, the contract review service provides pro-active support that will seek to identity onerous contract clauses before work starts, thus seeking to avoid contract issues further down the line.

The subsidised service will be staffed by a panel of four experts, and it will be the member’s choice as to which panel member they choose.  The starting price will be £450 for an initial review and written summary and an additional £150 if a virtual meeting is required to go through the contract in more detail.  Prices will be tiered around size of contract.

The panel will use the collective wisdom generated through this work to isolate trends, identify onerous clauses and update on the state of the contractual market for regular reporting purposes. They will offer guidance to FIS and its membership, through a series of advisory articles.  This work builds on our ongoing commitment to support the RICS Conflict Avoidance Process (more details in our Legal and Contractual Toolkit) .

Speaking of the new service, FIS Chief Executive Iain McIlwee said:

“This new service has been developed in response to the procurement research we did earlier in the year that identified that specialist contractors often find themselves under significant pressure to sign amended forms of contracts in the absence of any legal advice.   We have been monitoring this closely and continue to see unacceptable risk transfer through heavily amended standard form contracts.  If anything, this practice seems to be getting worse and it is increasingly hard to understand how unwieldy schedules of amendments are sneaking risk through.  This is being too readily accepted as normal behaviour, so much so that companies are at times not even reading the contacts.  We have to ensure that businesses and individuals understand and manage the risks that they are signing up to.

This new contract review service is designed to bring a bit of structure to how we respond, ensuring our members have access to the best possible advice in their negotiation of and management of contract and at least understand and can mitigate any risks that they are contracted to.  This forms part of our wider work in supporting the Conflict Avoidance Pledge.  Conflict management starts before the contract is signed and sometimes we need to be ready with an informed and responsible “no”.  Through this service we will be working with the reviewers to monitor contractual trends and ensure that we are responding effectively to them as a community.”

You can find out more about the Contract review service at the FIS Regional Meeting in Manchester on 28 November and via our dedicated webpage here

Publication of new fire safety guidance

Publication of new fire safety guidance

The Home Office have published two new pieces of fire safety guidance.

  • Fire Safety Order: enforcement and sanctions for non-compliance

The guide explains how the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 (as amended) (FSO) is enforced and advises of the sanctions that are available to Enforcing Authorities if you fail to comply with this legislation.

More information can be found here.

  • A guide for persons with duties under fire safety legislation

This guidance will help you to find out whether you are a Responsible Person or Duty Holder under the FSO and what responsibilities you have for fire safety. More information about this can be found here.

BPF Fair Payment Charter

BPF Fair Payment Charter

The British Property Federation (BPF) has, through its Construction Committee, developed voluntary guidelines that all BPF members are encouraged to adopt in their approach to payment.

A fair and transparent approach to payment is essential for ensuring a successful construction industry. The Charter sets out a number of important areas where construction clients are well placed to drive up standards, including mechanisms to cascade fair payment down the supply chain and approaches to demonstrate transparency of payment terms.

More information can be found here.

Building Control for Higher-Risk Buildings

Building Control for Higher-Risk Buildings

On 1 October, the Building Safety Regulator (BSR) became the Building Control Authority for all higher-risk buildings (HRBs) in England.

This means that developers will no longer be able to choose the building control body they use for building new residential buildings that are over 18-metres or 7 storeys and hospitals and care homes that meet the same height threshold.

Developers must also apply to the BSR for building control approval before starting building work on any projects involving HRBs.

  • More information can be found here.
  • Guidance on how to submit and manage a building control application to the BSR is available here.
  • For those who are ready to make an application the service is available on gov.uk.
Industry research: Mechanical fixings/fasteners to support Light Gauge Steel Framing Systems (SFS) infill walls to encased hot-rolled steel beams

Industry research: Mechanical fixings/fasteners to support Light Gauge Steel Framing Systems (SFS) infill walls to encased hot-rolled steel beams

FIS together with The Steel Construction Institute and members of the FIS SFS working group have agreed the following statement regarding industry research on mechanical fixings/fasteners to support Light Gauge Steel Framing [LGSF) infill walls to encased hot-rolled steel beams.

Please contact joecilia@thefis.org if you would like to be involved in this ongoing study.

Building Regulations (Amendment) a The Building Safety Act – Readiness

Building Regulations (Amendment) a The Building Safety Act – Readiness

In light of secondary legislation to the Building Safety Act and The Building Regulations (Amendment) which came into force on 1 October 2023, many people are looking to existing contractual arrangements and asking if they already fulfil new requirements, or in some cases presuming that they already do due to a resemblance.

This is of particular concern where provisions from the Building Safety Act apply to all building projects, not just to higher-risk buildings (HRBs).

As legislation does not prescribe the fine detail of processes, many of the mechanisms used to facilitate provisions under the legislation such as change control, information management, competence management and mandatory occurrence reporting already exist and are being used.

Whilst this can be viewed as a positive reflection of progress, consider that both compliance and non-compliance can both look very similar to what we are used to seeing on-site, but “business as usual” is by no means the way forward.

Considering the appointment of a “Principal Designer” and Principal Contractor” as an example, these are required by the amended Building Regulations and do not apply only to HRBs as follows:

11D.—  (3) The appointments under this regulation must be made—

(a) in relation to a project which includes higher-risk building work for which an application for building control approval must be submitted to the regulator, before that application is submitted;

(b) in relation to any other project, before the construction phase begins.

Whist these roles need to be appointed, there is no text in the legislation that prohibits a party from sharing these roles and the associated liabilities, meaning that it is quite possible for a D&B contractor to act as both principal contractor, and principal designer.

The danger comes from the presumption that parties on site can fulfil these roles by their function alone without being appointed, or have been appointed when they haven’t, and it bears repeating that according to the Building Regulations:

11D.—  (1) Where there is more than one contractor, or it is reasonably foreseeable that more than one contractor will be working on a project, the client must appoint in writing—

(a) a designer with control over the design work as the principal designer for the purposes of these Regulations, and

(b) a contractor with control over the building work as the principal contractor for the purposes of these Regulations.

Outside of the principal roles, it is important to remember that “designer” and “contractor” are defined only by function, and are not appointed, so consider that it is possible to fulfil these roles unintentionally.

SpecFinish – The Unintentional Designer

FIS – Introduction to the Building Safety Act

FIS Guide: Introduction to the Building Safety Act

The Building Safety Act (BSA) is the most significant piece of new legislation in a generation. It will fundamentally change the way in which buildings where people live are designed, constructed and maintained and records kept of what was built, by whom and how. The Building Safety Act comprises of primary as well as secondary legislation which has complicated and new responsibilities and processes.

This guide has been written to help introduce the basic concepts of the Building Safety Act to all businesses.

Opening doors to the next generation

Opening doors to the next generation

Preparations for Build UK’s Open Doors event in 2024 is well underway. Members can now use the new Open Doors website to register the sites and other experiences they are planning to offer from Monday 18 ‐ Saturday 23 March 2024.

Open Doors Partners have already registered an exciting range of events, including Canary Wharf Group’s Wood Wharf, Kier’s Manchester Aquatics Centre, Sunbelt Rentals’ National Distribution Centre and Willmott Dixon’s Darlington Railway Heritage Quarter.

FIS Head of Skills and Training, Beena Nana said: FIS fully supports the Open Doors event and is exploring new ways in which we can demonstrate the vast career opportunities available in this rewarding sector. We’ll be announcing more on this work in the coming months.

Build UK Chair Julie White has shared her thoughts in Building Magazine on why everyone in the industry should get involved, explaining: “Open Doors provides a unique opportunity for young people and those looking for a change of career to visit our sites and other facilities to see first‐hand what the industry has to offer”. Julie will be leading by example with the support of Build UK Trade Association member, the Drilling and Sawing Association, which will be opening its Nottingham headquarters to showcase its apprentice training and the use of technology in a specialist trade.

We know that schools and colleges require advance notice to organise visits, so we recommend you register your events as soon as possible. Further information can be found in Build UK’s latest Open Doors update.

FIS CEO to join leading industry panellists to discuss how senior leaders can drive actionable change

FIS CEO to join leading industry panellists to discuss how senior leaders can drive actionable change

New research on diversity underscores the challenges Black and Ethnic Minority candidates face in securing positions and advancing in the UK construction industry, as well as their higher attrition rates.

To help support this, FIS CEO Iain McIlwee will be joining other leading industry panellists at the upcoming Black & Ethnic Minority Experiences in the Built Environment virtual conference on 18 October 2023 to discuss how senior leaders can drive actionable change in the industry.

The event will take place between 9.30am – 12.30pm and is free to attend. It will combine best practice case studies with real-world insights in thought-provoking discussions aimed at driving positive change in this critical aspect of our industry.

By joining this virtual conference, you will:

  • Dive further into the relevant data on Black and Ethnic minority workers arising from both the most recent Diversity Data Benchmarking Report and FIR Culture Impact Report.
  • Address issues around recruitment and internal promotion of Black and Ethnic Minority candidates.
  • Listen to facilitated discussion around Black and Ethnic minority employee experiences and what can be done to address these issues and support candidates from a more diverse talent pool entering and remaining in the built environment sector.

Alongside Iain will be other thought leaders in the industry, including speakers from Mace, CIOB, Network Rail, BPIC, Transport for London, HS2, the Employers Network for Equality & Inclusion, HS2 and more.

Download the full conference programme and register your free place here.

Making our sector inclusive for Black and Ethnic minority candidates and workers is a critical topic to address in Black History Month and throughout the year.  We hope you can join the event.

Building Regulations (Amendment) a The Building Safety Act – Readiness

Building Safety Regulator charges regulations and charging scheme published

The Building Safety (Regulator’s Charges) Regulations 2023 were laid before Parliament on 6 September 2023, to come into force on 1 October 2023. The Regulations can be found here.

The Building Safety Regulator (BSR) Charging Scheme from 1 October 2023 has also been published. The publication details BSR’s charging scheme for chargeable functions, as defined in the Building Safety (Regulator’s Charges) Regulations 2023.

The Scheme explains:

  • the chargeable functions
  • the trigger for each chargeable activity
  • who is required to pay for the chargeable activity
  • what the amount payable will be made up of
  • the relevant legislation for that activity

This information is supplemented by annexes that explain how charges are calculated, how payments and repayments are processed, and the queries and disputes process.

The charging scheme was published on 21 September and can be found here.

Government takes action to back small businesses and tackle late payments

Government takes action to back small businesses and tackle late payments

The government has today announced tougher measures to tackle the issue of late payments to small businesses. These new measures will be included in the upcoming Prompt Payment & Cash Flow Review, due to be published shortly and will improve delivery and enforcement of policies, enabling more small businesses to get paid on time.

Late payment of invoices and long payment terms are key issues that businesses, especially SMEs, highlight as a barrier to their growth. Owners and managers are forced to spend disproportionate time chasing payments; resulting cash flow problems cause even good, viable firms to struggle.

In 2022, Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) were owed on average an estimated £22,000 in late payments. Improving payment culture in the UK will support smaller businesses, many of which do not have the resources to accommodate long or late payments from their business customers and could boost the economy by £2.5 billion annually.

That is why the Government is extending and improving the Reporting on Payment Practices and Performance Regulations and conducted the Prompt Payment and Cash Flow Review.

New measures to be announced in the review will include:

  • Extending the Reporting on Payment Practices and Performance Regulations 2017. Following consultation, Government will take forward legislation to extend payment performance reporting obligations.
  • We will include new metrics for reporting, including a value metric, so businesses and commentators can see the value of invoices, including invoices paid late, and a disputed invoices metric.  We will also introduce reporting on retention payments for businesses in the construction sector.
  • Providing greater advice to small businesses on negotiating payment terms that better suit them, and on how going digital can help them get paid quicker and manage their cash flow.
  • Broadening the powers of the Small Business Commissioner: Introducing broader responsibilities, enabling the Commissioner to undertake investigations and publish reports where necessary on the basis of anonymous information and intelligence. This will require primary legislation, so will be subject to the legislative timetable.

The stronger measures will benefit UK businesses by fostering a stronger payment culture and providing businesses with more predictable and reliable cash flow, allowing businesses to spend and invest with greater certainty.

It will reduce the time spent by businesses chasing payments, freeing up more time for other activities that will help them to grow. Tackling late and long payments provides an opportunity to increase investment and productivity across the economy.

This will improve payment culture in the UK to support smaller businesses, many of whom do not have the resources to accommodate long or late payments from their business customers.

FIS Chief Executive Iain McIlwee said:

“It is great to see these recommended changes are being implemented.  This is an area where FIS has long been calling for reform and we have worked closely with a number of specialist organisations this year to highlight our concerns around current reporting practices and to call for a more realistic measure of late payment centered on value that would limit gaming of the system.  The new reporting requirements linked to retention and disputed invoices are also welcomed.

Whilst we would rather see retention ended all together, or at the every least protected in trust, this is again a step forward as it starts to hold businesses to account for behaviours.  If you can measure it, you can start to manage it. 

We will continute to lobby for reform and particularly a review of the payment certification process.  We will also work with colleagues from across the sector to ensure that we aren’t just counting better, but there is enforcement against these measures that sees good behaviours rewarded through procurement and bad practice driven out of our industry.”

Secretary of State for Business and Trade Kemi Badenoch said:

SMEs make up 99 per cent of firms in the UK and are the lifeblood of our economy. I know that late payments are a massive barrier to growth and I am determined to fix that.

The measures we’re announcing will take a big step towards making sure SMEs get their payments on time, helping firms to grow and prosper.

Small Business Minister Kevin Hollinrake said:

Small businesses form a crucial part of large companies’ supply chains. Without them, they couldn’t do business. It’s only right that they should be paid promptly for their services.

SMEs that are paid on time can do more business, scale up and make more profits, delivering growth for the economy.

FIS Calls for payment and retention overhaul

CITB launches fire safety in buildings training

CITB launches fire safety in buildings training

CITB has announced the launch of its new Level 1 (awareness) course, which has been developed in partnership with Build UK and fire industry experts. The course is designed to improve an individual’s knowledge of fire safety measures in buildings and is suitable for anyone working in the design, construction, or maintenance of buildings, with a specific focus on installers.

The course is free and is split into five modules:

  • Grenfell
  • Materials
  • Fire protection
  • Competence
  • Installation

Certification lasts five years.

For more information and to register visit https://www.citb.co.uk/courses-and-qualifications/find-a-training-course/ecourses/#firesafetybuildings

Are you ready for the Building Safety Act (2022)?

Are you ready for the Building Safety Act (2022)?

Assent are holding CPD sessions with Colin Blatchford-Brown about the legislative changes for all buildings as part of the Building Safety Act, and what the introduction of the Building Safety Regulator will mean from October 2023.

As an Approved Inspector (soon to be Registered Building Control Approver) Assent are at the forefront of the new regime. The Building Safety Act will change how building projects are managed and the role we all play in the delivery of safe buildings. This includes new dutyholder roles, clients, principal designers and principal contractors.

We’ll also discuss the golden thread and the information needed for higher-risk buildings, as well as the recently released secondary legislation and transitional provisions.

If you would like to attend, please reserve your place via the link below.

11th October – London

Knowledge of careers in construction remains concerningly low

Knowledge of careers in construction remains concerningly low

As part of the Skills for a Sustainable Skyline Taskforce Work, educational charity Class of Your Own ran a short survey to gather views of teachers and students in years 8 to 11 from schools in the London area on their views and understanding of careers in construction and sustainability.  The survey highlights some concerning gaps in understanding, but despite this close to 40% of students are interested in careers in construction, with 10% stating that they want to be an architect/engineer or tradesperson.

The Skills for a Sustainable Skyline Taskforce was set up to support the aims of the City Corporation’s radical Climate Action Strategy which commits to net-zero carbon emissions across the City Corporation’s operations by 2027, and to support the achievement of net zero for the Square Mile by 2040.  Over 300 organizations have joined the ‘Skills for a Sustainable Skyline Taskforce,’ including designers, construction firms, and education providers.

This survey formed part of this work.  Headline findings included:

  • 70% of students and 82% of teachers had no idea that nearly 10% of the UK working population are employed in the construction sector
  • 37% of students surveyed are interested in a career in construction
  • 50% of students are very or extremely worried about climate change
  • 25% of students said that climate change will impact future choice of subject they will study and career
  • 45% of teachers and 30% of students rated their familiarity with careers in construction at 1 or 2 out of 5
  • 10% of students responded that they want to be an architect / engineer or tradesperson
  • The vast majority of teachers (76%) and students (72%) feel they would benefit from local employer involvement in understanding qualification choices and career options in construction

Commenting on the research Iain McIlwee, FIS CEO and Chair of the working group looking at Barriers for Skills for a Sustainable Skyline Taskforce stated:

“There are some worrying numbers in this research, but no surprises and room for optimism.  The key stats to hang on to are that close to 40% of students would consider a career in construction and10% are planning to join the industry.  This is something to build on and, whilst knowledge of careers in the sector fall short of what we want, there are signs that teachers and students are open to better direct engagement from employers.

A key challenge is that schools and educational authorities have a fragmented and inconsistent approach to advising on careers – this is an area we need to lobby for change.  In the interim it is beholden on us to redouble our efforts to deliver consistent and joined up information that is well targeted and helps students make informed decisions.
I am excited about the opportunity to work with the City of London to help improve the way industry and education are working together and deliver positive messages about construction so that we can encourage more young people to look in our direction and join us in rebuilding a Sustainable London.”

To help encourage entrants, FIS sponsored a free prize draw where a teacher and student receive a £50 Amazon Voucher.  The teacher price was won by Mr Brown, a Maths and PSHE Teacher from John F Kennedy Catholic School in Hertfordshire.  The winning student was Joseph Cameron from Fulham Cross Academy (pictured with Head of Sixth Form, Alan Jones).

Alison Watson MBE Founder and Chief Executive at Class Of Your Own Limited stated: “It’s great to join forces with such like-minded organisations. Only through collaboration can we bridge the knowledge gap between classrooms and the construction industry, dispelling myths and igniting interest in sustainable careers. By equipping students and teachers with real-world insights, we can show that construction is a dynamic field where STEM, digital skills and climate action intersect.”

Building on this and the wider work of the Skills for a Sustainable Skyline Taskforce, The City of London Corporation has released a new report urging investment in workers to meet the growing demand for green jobs and skills in decarbonizing the city’s commercial buildings.  Phase 2 of the Taskforce work is to develop an Action Plan to respond to the research with impactful interventions and an industry engagement campaign to promote reskilling and upskilling among the existing workforce, and raising career awareness amongst Londoners, including those from underrepresented backgrounds.

You can read the full Skyline Skills Recommendation report here

 

Menopause policy published

Menopause policy published

Build UK has worked with Citation to publish a template Menopause Policy which can be used by members to help employees in the workplace going through the menopause. Employees of menopausal age are the fastest growing workplace demographic in the UK, and this policy has been developed in response to calls from members for support on raising awareness amongst employees and retaining women in the workforce to continue benefiting from their skills and knowledge.

The template policy has been drafted so that it can be adopted in its entirety, or elements can be incorporated into existing policy documents, and members will need to provide basic contact information to download it. It sets out the employer’s responsibilities as well as practical ways to provide an inclusive and supportive working environment for employees going through the menopause and their colleagues.

Build UK appoints new Chair

Build UK appoints new Chair

At its AGM earlier this week, Build UK appointed Julie White, Managing Director of D‐Drill and a member of the Drilling and Sawing Association (DSA), as the new Chair of Build UK. Having grown up in the industry, in the family business which she now owns, Julie is a passionate champion for construction, making regular visits to Downing Street as a member of the former Prime Minister’s Business Council and sharing her views in the national and trade media.

Commenting on her new role, Julie said:

“I’m absolutely delighted to be appointed as Chair of Build UK for the next two years. Having been on the Board since its inception in 2015, I truly believe in the value of having the whole supply chain around the table to develop solutions and provide a strong collective voice for the sector. I can’t wait to get started and use my time and energy to make a difference for this fantastic industry of ours.”

Julie succeeds Paul Cossell who led Build UK since January 2022, overseeing an increase in membership whilst responding to a range of challenges, including the end of COVID‐19 restrictions, record inflation, and the introduction of the new building safety regime.

Creating a productive environment for UK Construction

Creating a productive environment for UK Construction

Building better: CLC announces plan to boost industry productivity by 25%.

The Construction Leadership Council has today published a new report exploring the potential for the UK industry to transform its productivity, identifying three areas where billions of pounds of savings could be made, or additional value generated for the UK economy.

The analysis explores why average productivity per worker in construction lags 13.5% behind the wider economy and suggests that the introduction of a number of measures – many of them already in the process of delivery – could boost productivity by up to 25%.

For the first time, the report includes a detailed breakdown, issue by issue, of the potential benefits of boosting construction productivity; demonstrating the urgency of the issue and the scale of opportunity on offer if the challenges can be addressed.

The three key focus areas identified by the report are:

  • Better preparation: creating a productive environment to develop and deliver projects; through reforming the planning process for housing and major infrastructure projects; showing consistent leadership in project scope, creating more effective delivery teams, improving supply chain relationships and more collaborative working during the design process; delivering a potential 17% productivity boost and £30bn in annual value added.
  • Better building: delivering construction more productively; through maximising the use of MMC, supporting workers in the industry to re-skill and extending their careers; and reducing re-work through the elimination of errors; delivering a potential 7% productivity boost and £12.7bn in annual value added.
  • Better business: supporting our industry to do business more productively; through supporting digital investment for SMEs, better utilisation of capital and improved data on productivity at a sector level; delivering a potential 2% productivity boost and £2.8bn in annual value added.

Richard Robinson, Deputy Chair of the Construction Leadership Council and Chief Executive Officer, UK & Europe at AtkinsRéalis, said:
“Improving the construction industry’s productivity offers the UK one of our largest economic opportunities. If we can build faster, at a reduced cost, we can spur growth and job creation across the UK – delivering the places and infrastructure our communities want and our economy needs without delay.
“At a time when construction costs and the complexities of planning policy are rightly under scrutiny within the UK, this latest report from the CLC lays out the scale of the opportunity and sets out a roadmap to partner with Government to help us realise it. This isn’t just something that benefits our industry – it’s something that could be transformative for the entire country.”

The report includes a series of recommendations and measures for industry and government to follow, many of which are built on already existing programmes of work; highlights of these include:

  • Reform Planning, Allow industry to pay increased planning fees in returned for guaranteed standards of performance, learning from the best of the current planning authorities who already deliver efficiently and digitally
  • Showing consistent leadership in infrastructure planning, Adopt the proposed National Infrastructure Commission recommendations around accelerating the planning process for Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects.
  • Supply chain development, work with the industry to bring about widespread fair and balanced commercial terms and payment practices.
  • Explore licensing domestic builder, gather evidence to understand the link between licensing domestic builders to enhance quality and productivity and if sufficient, introduce licensing.
  • Set out a clear policy and regulatory roadmap to accelerate domestic retrofit across UK housing stock.

The measures in the report will be built into the existing Construction Leadership Council delivery programmes.

Building Better – complying with the Building Safety Act

Building Better – complying with the Building Safety Act

The Building Safety Act has introduced a range of changes to the way buildings in the UK are designed, constructed and maintained, with the aim of improving safety and reducing the risk of fire and other hazards. Compliance with these changes will require a range of behavioural and cultural changes across the construction industry.

FIS Technical Director Joe Cilia is taking part in Selo’s Building. Better. seminar which will focus on the behavioural and cultural changes needed in order to comply, and embrace the Building Safety Act within your businesses.

This half day event, starting at 08:15, is taking place on 13 October in Westminster. You can register your interest to attend here.

Joe will be joined by industry-leading speakers who will share information on the Gateway Process, design and procurement requirements and recommendations for manufacturers.

For more information visit https://selo.global/the-building-safety-act-seminar/