by Clair Mooney | 29 Jan, 2021 | Skills
We are receiving reports regarding the mental health of colleagues during this lockdown and are often asked to provide information to assist employer members, here is some of the information available. The FIS Approved Training Provider members offer discounts, and a number of courses are free of charge.
For all training provided by FIS Approved Training Providers please see: https://www.thefis.org/skills-hub/training-and-qualification/provisions/ then open the tabs at the top of the table.
Mental Health First Aid – HSS – https://www.hsstraining.com/search?search=Mental+health
eLearning Courses:
The FIS #BuildersBrew Health Campaign is still running, please see: https://www.thefis.org/about-us/builders-brew/
by Clair Mooney | 29 Jan, 2021 | Skills
Independent Fire Inspections is launching its new online course, Preparing for IFE Level 3 Exam Passive Fire Protection, on 1 February 2021. The course has been developed for eLearning, to provide training and the necessary preparation for those looking to sit their Level 2 and Level 3 Passive Fire Protection Exams with the Institute of Fire Engineers. All materials and tests are online, leading to a final exam that can be carried out with the IFE directly in March or October each year.
The Institute of Fire Engineers has provided their recognition for this course and it has also been Accredited by the Institute of Fire Safety Managers. What does this mean? Two respected industry institutions have reviewed this training course and the quality of Independent Fire Inspections Ltd as a training provider, have deemed them acceptable and are willing to recommend them.
Independent Fire Inspections Ltd.’s Director, Ben Freeman has said “We are really pleased to be launching this comprehensive course to the industry, the first of its kind in E-Learning format, having evolved our current courses and added a lot more content, we are excited to begin delivering this online. All of our own inspectors and team members have been instrumental in pulling the course together along with industry experts.”
The course is being offered at an introductory discounted cost, please contact Claire.turner@fireinspections.co.uk for further information.
The course can be purchased directly via the website https://fireinspections.co.uk/product-category/e-learning-courses
by Clair Mooney | 29 Jan, 2021 | Skills
The CITB online events in March and April will cover how they propose employers will be assessed to CITB Levy over the next three years. In the past year they’ve been in regular contact with many employers and industry bodies. The collection of the Levy Assessment in 2020 was temporarily suspended and the Levy rates for assessment in 2021 have been reduced by half. At the same time, they have prioritised direct financial support for employers and apprentices.
Now, as they look at the best means to contribute to industry’s recovery in the months ahead, your view can shape the way forward. At the events they’ll share how Levy registered employers can take part in consultation on the Levy Proposals 2022-25 and have their say on the proposed areas of support for construction businesses.
If you are a Levy registered employer and wish to join CITB please register here.
by Clair Mooney | 29 Jan, 2021 | Labour, Membership, Skills
In a report on CNews today, FIS has continued to raise concerns about potential labour shortages.
Iain McIlwee, FIS CEO commented: As the article in CN news reflets, the extent of the immigration issue is still very much unknown, but it is concerning, especially in our sector where over 40% of the workforce is from the EU. What we do know is that over 40% of our members are currently reporting a shortage and 60% are expecting one, how bad it will get we don’t fully know right now, but we anticipate that it will impact rates and programmes. The problem has two parts, the immediate concern over who will stay and settle, we are trying to understand the cliff ledge post-Christmas and there is potentially another one coming in the summer when the Right to Works checks kick in. But, that is only part of the problem – even if all the EU workers return and stay, our annual recruitment and training target has doubled over night, because many trades do not make it on the skilled or shortage occupation list and so the EU tap is well and truly off. If just 5-10% opt to ply their trade within the EU instead, this target triples, quadruples and so on. This is the number one concern for the FIS as we move into 2021 – the infrastructure and time just isn’t in place to solve this – realistically we need to see some relaxation of the rules to give us time to transition.
Read the full article here: Labour shortages could raise rates ‘at least 10%’
by Clair Mooney | 29 Jan, 2021 | CSCS, Main News Feed
CSCS has launched virtual CSCS cards providing instant access to an individual’s training and qualification records. Virtual cards carry all the same information as physical cards but are stored within the My CSCS app, which is free to download via Google Play and Apple Store.
Virtual cards benefit the card holder and their employer by providing both with instant access to the individual’s training and qualification records and eliminating the need to carry a physical card on site.
Alan O’Neile, Head of Communications at CSCS said: “This is a game changer for CSCS cards. The technology will improve safety and efficiency on construction sites by making it easier for the employer to check that workers hold the appropriate qualifications and training for the job they do on site.”
The virtual card is generated automatically and can be downloaded to the My CSCS app as soon as an application is approved, and payment is taken. The virtual card can then be used immediately on site before the traditional plastic card has arrived in the post. CSCS is keen to highlight to employers that virtual cards are safe and secure but, just like the traditional plastic card, they should always be electronically checked using the free Go Smart software. This is to ensure the card is valid and to confirm that the holder has the appropriate training and qualifications for the job they do on site.
Alan O’Neile continued: “As well as storing the virtual card the app has many other benefits. Card holders can view the status of their applications, manage their personal details and get in touch with our Customer Service team via the app.”
The My CSCS app is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, providing card holders with access to the information they need when they need it.
Visit www.cscs.uk.com/mycscs to find out more about virtual cards and the My CSCS app
by Clair Mooney | 29 Jan, 2021 | Membership
FIS, alongside Build UK, is part of a coalition of industry trade bodies calling on the Chancellor to withdraw the VAT Reverse Charge which is due to be introduced on 1 March.
The new legislation will restrict the cash flow of companies throughout the construction supply chain, and Build UK is launching a campaign #StopReverseVAT on Monday 1 February to ensure that the Treasury and HMRC fully understand the impact of Reverse VAT. We are keen to involve all our members and you can feature your company on Build UK social media postcards by emailing Build UK the following:
- a hi‐res headshot of your Chief Executive or Chairman/President
- their name, job title and company
- a quote (50 ‐ 75 words) that sums up the impact that Reverse VAT will have on your business or sector.
You can also help us to raise the profile of this issue by sharing the postcards on Twitter and LinkedIn using the hashtag #StopReverseVAT and tagging in @hmtreasury and @HMRCgovuk. By working together, we can demonstrate the significant impact Reverse VAT will have on the industry at a time when we have been singled out as vital to the economic recovery.
by Clair Mooney | 28 Jan, 2021 | Main News Feed
The Department of Health & Social Care (DHSC) is widening the scope of the support they provide for asymptomatic Lateral Flow Device testing to include businesses in construction and other priority sectors with over 50 employees.
If FIS emmbers would like to be part of DHSC’s testing scheme then please attend one of the webinars noted below, and email Covid19.WorkforceTesting@defra.gov.uk or employee.testing@beis.gov.uk. You should outline interest in commencing LFD testing in your workplace, and request an invite to a follow up LFD Operational Overview Session.
BEIS has advised that you should state if you have more than one site that would like to join the scheme. If you sign up to the scheme please notify Build UK via emai on Communications@BuildUK.org
Smaller sites and businesses can access employee testing via their Local Authority’s Community Testing scheme. For more details on this please email communitytesting.centralops@dhsc.gov.uk.
An ‘Introduction to Mass Testing’ webinar – Monday 1 February – Friday 5 February between 14:00 – 14:45 (The link to join is below, and is the same for each meeting)
These introductory overview sessions will last 45 minutes, provide an overview of testing and answer any initial questions you may have. They will cover:
- High level overview of Mass Testing for surveillance and Daily Contact Testing to provide understanding of the processes and what is required
- Lateral Flow Technology and reason for using
- Frequency of testing
- Resources required
- Test Site requirement
DHSC Introductory webinar – Monday 1 February – Friday 5 Feb, 14:00-14:45 – Click here to join the meeting
Join with a video conferencing device
892762625@t.plcm.vc
Video Conference ID: 125 385 330 9
Alternate VTC dialing instructions
Or call in (audio only)
+44 20 3443 8728,,273694178# United Kingdom, London
Phone Conference ID: 273 694 178#
Find a local number | Reset PIN
If you have any further questions, please contact Employee.Testing@beis.gov.uk
by Clair Mooney | 28 Jan, 2021 | Main News Feed
HSE’s guidance on disinfecting premises during the coronavirus pandemic has been updated to include joint advice on risks to health that can be created by using walk-through spraying or misting systems.
HSE and public health bodies in England, Wales and Scotland have agreed joint advice on the risks to health from walk-through disinfecting systems for dutyholders considering using them to reduce transmission of coronavirus.
Spraying people with disinfectants is not recommended under any circumstances (including in a tunnel, cabinet, or chamber). The World Health Organisation has also confirmed that it could be harmful and does not reduce the spread of the virus. This is because transmission is usually through droplets or contact, so the effectiveness of these systems is likely to be minimal.
There is more information from the government’s Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies (SAGE) on potential health risks from whole-body walk-through systems.
The updated page on HSE’s site also has helpful advice on:
- cleaning premises using fog, mist or UV treatment
- the law on disinfectants
- only using HSE-authorised products in the UK
- supply and manufacture of disinfectants
by Clair Mooney | 28 Jan, 2021 | Market data
Construction product manufacturers reported a second quarterly increase in sales in the fourth quarter of 2020, according to the Construction Product Association’s (CPA) State of Trade Survey for 2020 Q4. This reflects a catch-up in construction activity and pent-up demand in sectors such as housing as the industry continues its recovery from the Covid-related contraction in the first half of the year. Constraints related to material and component supply, however, as well as capacity and import concerns all registered more strongly than in recent surveys.
FIS members can access the full results here.
by Clair Mooney | 25 Jan, 2021 | Building Safety Act, Market data
FIS Members are invited to take part in an industry-wide consultation into a new proposed Code for Construction Product Information (CCPI), to gather the views on the Code before it is formally launched later this year.
The Code has been developed by the CPA’s Marketing Integrity Group (MIG) with input from FIS, which was tasked with responding to the issues raised in Dame Judith Hackitt’s report ‘Building A Safer Future’, and the credibility challenge facing our industry following the Grenfell Tower fire. The report confirmed radical change was needed for construction products, particularly in the areas of testing, information and marketing.
The Code, made up of 11 clauses, aims to set the benchmark for how product information is presented and marketed by manufacturers. A new microsite dedicated to this consultation – www.buildingsafely.co.uk – explains the background, and includes a specially written report on the new Code. It’s presented in an easy-to-read, digestible format for the industry to review and respond.
The MIG’s work tackles shortcomings in ‘Product Information’ identified in Chapter 7 of the ‘Building A Safer Future’ report. Its work represents two years of open debate and discussion, and of engagement with various parts of the supply chain. It follows detailed analysis of the Call For Evidence survey in 2019, which attracted over 500 responses from across the industry. The survey confirmed that for product and performance information to be trusted, it must be Clear, Accurate, Up-to-date, Accessible and Unambiguous. These five points are the acid tests that now stand behind the 11 Clauses in the new Code.
The MIG is driving a wide-reaching consultation to give manufacturers, specifiers and users of information an opportunity to comment on the new Code, the implementation of its 11 Clauses, and its ongoing management and policing. The consultation is being carried out independently by industry specialists, MRA Research.
CPA Chief Executive Peter Caplehorn comments: “The importance of this new Code and consultation process will be obvious to all those working in the built environment post-Grenfell. It is our responsibility as an industry to regain public trust and credibility in what we do, and to demonstrate that technical competence can be trusted. I believe the Code represents both a determined attempt on behalf of manufacturers to correct disingenuous marketing practices and a proactive and collaborative effort to address the issues highlighted in Dame Judith Hackitt’s Report.
“The first industry consultation in 2019 was key in establishing the way forward. We are now encouraging all FIS Members to have their say once more before the Code is launched. CPA are reaching out to every organisation across the construction supply chain, whether that be manufacturers, specifiers, suppliers, distributors, contractors or installers. They hope businesses and individuals will embrace the opportunity to be involved, and recognise the urgency of change that is needed for our industry to ensure safe buildings.”
MIG Chair Adam Turk adds: “Following Grenfell, our industry reputation has been damaged. This Code is an opportunity to demonstrate our commitment to setting a level playing field for all construction product manufacturers to ensure that information they provide passes the five acid tests. In particular, that users of our products can once again rely upon the information given to them, to build the great buildings and infrastructure in which we live, work and play.”
We think this is one of the biggest changes in the way that manufacturers describe their products and demonstrate their commitment to Clear, Accurate, Up-to-date, Accessible and Unambiguous information, and we see this as a mark of quality that all members will want to be associated with.
Download the Code for Construction Products Information at www.buildingsafely.co.uk and register to have your say. The consultation will open on 1st February and run until 31 March.
FIS will be holding a webinar on Friday 5 February to expand on this introduction and discuss any questions that you may have before submitting your response. To register please follow this link https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/consultation-on-new-code-for-construction-product-information-tickets-138263563039
by Clair Mooney | 25 Jan, 2021 | Membership
The FIS Site Guide for Suspended Ceilings has been revised and updated by the FIS Ceilings and Absorbers working group and is available to download here.
The site guides are intended to help main contactors, designers and project managers that you are working with to understand the terminology, descriptors and different ceiling systems used, and the process of delivery, handling, planning the installation, as well as understanding the site conditions, the plant and access equipment needed. It also highlights the key health and safety points and requirements from the Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015 (CDM).
The guide sits alongside our other best practice guides that relate to ceilings:
These guides work well when they are included in proposals and project plans to demonstrate how you will approach a project, they are also good differentiators when you find yourself in competition with non-members and are an excellent introduction to new members of the team and any trainees and apprentices.
The next online meeting of the Ceilings and Absorbers working group will be held on 2 March. To register please follow this link, or call Joe Cilia on 07795 958 780 if you have any questions.
by Clair Mooney | 25 Jan, 2021 | Membership, Skills
The FIS Training Group has secured additional funding to support the cost of training and qualifications completed by FIS employer members in scope to CITB.
The additional funding, of up to £2,000 per company, covers a range of training from generic health and safety through to specialist courses such as spray plastering, deflection heads or fire door inspection and includes vocational qualification achievement. This funding is in addition to the CITB grant eligible training (GET) code grant you already claim from CITB.
How to claim
Simply send the invoice for training completed since 1st August 2020 to info@thefis.org if it meets the criteria set out below, we will arrange a refund to the full 100% of the course cost (up to a maximum of £2,000 per company, less the grant already claimed from CITB and less VAT incurred). The funding will be available on a first come, first served basis.
For a full list of eligible courses please see: CITB training standards
CITB GET Fund FIS Supplement Terms and Conditions
- The supplement cannot be used for GET codes that are already included on an individual employer contracted CITB Skills and Training allocation.
- An FIS supplement can only be paid to organisations ‘in scope’ to CITB and up to date with levy payments.
- The supplement is primarily for micro and small organisations no more than 25% of the total fund can be paid to large organisations (100 or more employees).
- Non grant eligible training is not covered by this supplement.
- Training must have taken place between 01 August 2020 and 31 March 2021 and have been completed before applying.
- Training must have been completed by delegates who are currently employed by or are NET (taxed) Construction Industry Scheme (CIS) sub-contractors of CITB registered employers.
- Invoices supplied must show the full costs of the training completed including CITB registration number, Training Provider, course name, CITB GET code, Tier value, date of completion, number of delegates, course cost and VAT.
- Successful applications will be notified within 25 working days.
- Payments will be made when the invoice is verified.
Funding is limited so cannot be guaranteed.
FIS is happy to review and support all of your funding claims through our one to one Skills and Funding Clinics.
This is a service freely available to members through the booking form here. Members are also strongly advised to apply for the CITB Skills and Training Fund 2020 which can allow organisations to claim up to £25,000 to support their training needs.
by Clair Mooney | 25 Jan, 2021 | Building Safety Act, Skills
FIS has launched Career and Competency Pathways ways as the first in a structured approach to defining competency and career paths within the Finishes and Interiors Sector.
The new Framework is built on the principles of the FIS Competency Skill, Attitude, Knowledge and Experience (SAKE) Framework and provides an example of how an individual can progress in a finishes and interiors occupation. It is designed to help companies manage competency in the face of intense scrutiny and new requirements coming into force through the Building Safety Bill. The Framework provides some standardisation and lays down clear criteria to assess and prove competence at every level of the workforce.
Commenting on the launch of the Pathways, FIS Skills and Training Lead George Swann said: “The Pathways brings a structured approach to career management based on the development of skills, knowledge and building experience. It aims to support and encourage career progression by passing defining competency gateways based on measured outcomes and linking this back to qualifications and training available. Our hope is that this makes it easier for everybody – new entrants, experienced workers, supervisors and managers – to follow how individuals progress within our sector and understand how to nurture and demonstrate competence.”
The Pathways looks at both formal and informal training requirements. Whilst formally recognised qualifications form the bedrock of progression through an occupation and are the criteria for CSCS card registration, these are not the only measure of competence. At each step in a career progression, the matrix suggests informal training that may support individual and organisational needs.
For new entrants to the sector, embedded in the matrix are details of apprenticeships delivered in each of the home nations. All listed training, qualifications and apprenticeships are available through the FIS Approved Training Provider Network.
“As a guide the matrix proposes ‘normal time frames’ based on the maximum formal qualification completion times or Total Qualification Times, but recognises individuals learn at different rates, so these may not always be applicable. Attitude and opportunity may move people through a career faster than others, but at each stage proof of competency is vital,” added George Swann.
Initial work has taken place on Drylining and Ceiling Fixing Pathways and FIS aims to launch further frameworks to cover the core occupational areas within the £10 billion finishes and interiors sector workforce in the coming months.
For more information and to view the Career and Competency Path click here
For more information on FIS Skills and Competency Work visit our the FIS Skills Hub
by Clair Mooney | 24 Jan, 2021 | Skills
HSE have made sure that you will still have a direct dialogue with their experts, a high level of interaction with the other attendees, and lots of opportunities to ask questions. Printed course material will be delivered direct to your door.
Upcoming courses include:
View HSE full course schedule
by Clair Mooney | 22 Jan, 2021 | Skills
National Apprentice Week is fast approaching and will run from 8 to 14 February 2021. It provides an opportunity for organisations to showcase the contribution they are making to the future finishes and interiors workforce and society. The Week can provide a platform to come together and celebrate apprenticeship journeys and successes as well as to say ‘Thank You’ to everyone who makes them possible.
How to get involved
“Build the Future” is the theme for NAW2021 and the core focus is to encourage everyone to consider how apprenticeships help individuals to build the skills and knowledge required for a rewarding career. Key to this is positive stories, if you are thinking about taking on an apprentice in the finishes and interiors sector, have an apprenticeship success story (either yourself or someone you supported with an apprenticeship that has flourished in your business) please contact the FIS Team.
For the very first time, National Apprentice Week is entirely based in a digital world. From virtual career fairs through to factory tours. There will be personal stories from apprentices and employers about their own journeys and experiences and why apprenticeships help to #BuildTheFuture.
You can also join in the conversation with the #AskAnApprentice or #AskAnEmployer sessions to help employers, potential apprentices, teachers and parents understand the real benefits of apprenticeships.
Thinking about taking on an Apprentice
FIS has a raft of information on Apprenticeships, including our Guidance for Employers. If you have plans for National Apprentice Week or have a story that you want to share/tell, please get in touch so we can share via SpecFinish and our Social Channels.
Alternatively give us a call on 0121 707 0077 or email info@thefis.org – we will be happy to help.
Positive stories from the Finishes and Interiors Sector
Find out how FIS Member EE Smith are making apprenticeships work and riding high (the highest placed construction company) in the UKs Top 100 Apprentice Employers.
Find out more about some of the amazing apprentices who have been recognised through the FIS Fit-Out Futures Awards.
For updates during the week follow FIS on Twitter or FIS on Linkedin
Events during National Apprentice Week
Hold the date: Wednesday 10th February Midday, FIS is hosting a dedicated webinar focussed on support for apprentices.
by Clair Mooney | 21 Jan, 2021 | Market data, Membership
Increases in contract awards in the North West, East of England and the South West.
Contract awards in the commercial sector valued £7.3bn, 4% lower than 2019’s £7.6bn. The number of projects fell by 17% to 1,100 from 1,400. This is broadly consistent with preceding years and continues the long negative trend in the sector.
The sector experienced a major shock this year with a huge increase in home working leaving offices unoccupied and retail stores shuttered for much of the year resulting in a surge in online purchases by consumers.
FIS members can access the full report here.
Total number of contract awards decrease by 16% in 2020 and values fall by 5%.
Construction output increased by 2% in November, bringing the in-month value above pre-Covid levels for the first time. This was achieved through strong infrastructure activity, as well as repair & maintenance activity across all sectors. Private housing was also strong in November and continued its upward trajectory since the summer.
However aggregate output for 2020 remained significantly down on 2019. Housing has taken the largest hit, at 20% below last year’s levels – public housing especially is down, by 28%. The industrial and commercial sectors are 18% and 17% lower respectively. The sectors least impacted are infrastructure (-3%), RMI (-5%) and public non-housing (-7%).
by Clair Mooney | 21 Jan, 2021 | Membership
The director of a construction company has been sentenced after a subcontractor suffered serious injuries when a stack of plasterboards fell on him at a construction site in Thames Ditton, Surrey.
Brighton Magistrates’ Court heard that on 12 April 2019, subcontractors were moving sheets of plasterboard weighing 32kg each from the ground floor to the second floor of a house undergoing refurbishment. As there was no staircase in place, they were stacking the plasterboard against an unsecured ladder and sliding them up to the floor above. During the process the plasterboards fell on the worker, fracturing his pelvis.
An investigation by the Health and Safety Executive found there was no safe system of work in place and the workers were not being adequately supervised. The stairwell openings were not guarded and they were partially spanned with scaffold boards resting on insecure scaffold poles, creating a significant fall risk.
Siamak Samyani the sole director of SS Reforms Limited of Eastcote Avenue, West Molesey, Surrey pleaded guilty to breaching Section 37 of the Health and Safety at Work Etc Act 1974. He was sentenced to 20 weeks in custody suspended for 12 months, fined £3,400 and ordered to pay costs of £600.
Speaking after the hearing, HSE inspector Andrew Cousins said: “This was a wholly avoidable incident, caused by the failure of the director to devise and implement a suitable safe system of work.
“Companies should be aware that HSE will not hesitate to take appropriate enforcement action against those who fall below the required standards.”
FIS has created a guide for the Safe Ingress of Plasterboard, which is available to download here.
by Clair Mooney | 21 Jan, 2021 | Main News Feed
All homes and businesses will have to meet rigorous new energy efficiency standards to lower energy consumption and bills, helping to protect the environment, the Housing Minister Chris Pincher has announced.
Responding to a consultation on the Future Homes Standard, the government has set out plans to radically improve the energy performance of new homes, with all homes to be highly energy efficient, with low carbon heating and be zero carbon ready by 2025.These homes are expected to produce 75-80% lower carbon emissions compared to current levels. To ensure industry is ready to meet the new standards by 2025, new homes will be expected to produce 31% lower carbon emissions from 2021.
Existing homes will also be subject to higher standards – with a significant improvement on the standard for extensions, making homes warmer and reducing bills. The requirement for replacement, repairs and parts to be more energy efficient. This includes the replacement of windows and building services such as heat pumps, cooling systems, or fixed lighting.
Housing Minister Rt Hon Christopher Pincher MP said:
Improving the energy performance of buildings is vital to achieving net-zero emissions by 2050 and protecting the environment for future generations to come.
The radical new standards announced today will not only improve energy efficiency of existing homes and other buildings, but will also ensure our new homes are fit for the future, by reducing emissions from new homes by at least 75%.
This will help deliver greener homes and buildings, as well as reducing energy bills for hard-working families and businesses.
The government plans also include measures to tackle;
- Ventilation – a new requirement for additional ventilation and indoor air quality monitoring in high-risk non-domestic buildings such as offices and gyms, reducing the risk of any potential infections being spread indoors.
- Overheating in residential buildings – a new overheating mitigation requirement in the Building Regulations.
There will be stringent transitional arrangements in place to provide all developers with certainty about the standards they are building. These will last for one year and apply to individual homes, rather than an entire development.
The government has also announced a consultation on higher performance targets for non-domestic buildings which will mean they will be zero carbon ready by 2025.
Taken together these measures will help to lower the cost of energy bills for families, while helping to tackle our climate change goals.
The government is committed to reaching net-zero and is taking considerable action to address the emissions from buildings – with heating and powering buildings currently accounting for 40% of the UK’s total energy usage.
There has already been considerable progress made on emissions from homes, with overall total emissions reduced by about a fifth since 1990 despite there being approximately a quarter more homes.
In 2019 the government introduced a legally binding target to reduce greenhouse gas emissions to net zero by 2050 – making the UK the first major economy in the world to legislate a zero net emissions target. The measures announced today recognise the important role that the energy efficiency of buildings can play in achieving this goal.
by Clair Mooney | 21 Jan, 2021 | Skills
The Institute announced its plans to move to a simplified EQA system in August 2020. The changes will see EQA delivered by Ofqual or, for integrated degree apprenticeships, the Office for Students (OfS).
The Institute is now setting up a new group of professional and employer-led organisations – called the Employer Directory – for Ofqual and OfS to draw on industry expertise.
We want as many sector representative bodies as possible to apply and support us with real industry insight. This will keep employers at the heart of protecting quality in apprenticeships. Please share the Institute’s employer directory page with your networks and across your social media channels.
by Clair Mooney | 20 Jan, 2021 | Market data
Construction bouncing back despite W-shaped recession and recovery
The CPA’s latest Construction Industry Scenarios sees a ‘W’-shaped economic recession and recovery as its main assumption, with construction output expected to rise 14% in 2021 and 4.9% in 2022. This takes into account the new lockdown restrictions over winter 2020/21 before a sustained recovery from 2021 Q2 as vaccines are rolled out and the services-based economy can reopen again. While some sectors of construction are dependent on consumer and business confidence returning, construction activity has largely been able to bounce back quicker than the overall economy.
With government making it clear that the construction and manufacturing sectors should continue to operate despite Covid-19 restrictions, output has been able to rise and recover relatively rapidly. The 14.0% rise in 2021 follows an estimated contraction of 14.3% overall in 2020 caused by the sharp fall in the first half of last year. It should be noted, however, that output is only expected to recover to pre-Covid levels in 2022. There is also the risk that once the furlough and self-employment support schemes end in April, there may be a sharp rise in unemployment that could potentially dampen this recovery.
The CPA’s Scenarios show that private housing was one of the quickest sectors to recover in 2020, with mortgage lending and property transactions above pre-Covid levels at the end of the year. Pent up demand as well as the government’s stamp duty holiday and the end of the first phase of Help to Buy largely drove the recovery in this sector. Demand for private housing is expected to moderate in 2021 after these policies end on 31 March and then subsequently pick up once again in line with the economic recovery throughout late 2021 and 2022.
A slower recovery has been seen in the commercial sector, with store closures and low rent collection in retail and leisure as well as the shift to working from home causing uncertainty for the offices sub-sector. Recovery in 2021 and 2022 is further constrained by the long-term shift to e-commerce in retail, which is likely to have been accelerated by consumers switching to online purchasing during the pandemic. The ongoing question of whether the shift to homeworking will continue after the vaccines are rolled out will be crucial to determining demand for offices space.
Homeworking has on the other hand had a positive impact on the private housing RM&I sector, with households investing accumulated savings from lower daily expenditure back into homes. Although the trajectory for future demand is dependent on labour market conditions as job support schemes end in April, the extension of the government’s Green Homes Grant may help to boost activity. For public housing, a backlog of cladding work is expected to drive activity in RM&I in 2021 and 2022 as the Building Safety Programme moves beyond the removal of Aluminium Composite Material.
Commenting on the Winter Scenarios, the CPA’s Economics Director, Noble Francis, said: “The spectre of a ‘No Deal’ Brexit that would have badly affected the UK economy and construction in the short term has been avoided but questions over the long term impact of Covid-19 on the structure of the economy still remain. This continues to leave questions about the fortunes of certain construction sectors. This is most notable in the commercial sector, where there is still lots of uncertainty about the future of retail and office space. It will be crucial to observe how businesses change their operations as the vaccine is rolled out in the coming months and to what extent there is a ‘return to the office’.
“While the fortunes of some sectors have been tied to Covid restrictions and associated business and consumer confidence in the wider economy, infrastructure has largely escaped such uncertainty. Projects have been able to effectively enact safe operating procedures given the sector’s large construction sites that have fewer different trades mixing than in most sectors. As such, infrastructure has been least-affected by Covid restrictions and output is expected to lift the whole industry over 2021 and 2022. Main works on HS2, Europe’s largest construction project, along with offshore wind and nuclear projects are expected to be the main drivers of activity.”
