Build UK has worked with the CIPS to publish a detailed report on the impact of the UK leaving the EU on the supply of construction materials from 1 January 2021. The report identifies whether materials may be in short supply or have longer lead times and it will be regularly updated. Whilst no material is currently identified as being high risk, early engagement with suppliers and manufacturers is strongly recommended to avoid delays and disruption.
HSE has published advice explaining alternative ways of working to reduce risk which may mean you no longer need to use respiratory protective equipment (RPE) for working with power tools.
We have guidance explaining the control measures employers should consider when dealing with (RPE) supply issues during the pandemic.
The new webpage on power tools outlines control measures, including using alternative ways of working, to reduce the risk of exposure to hazardous substances. There is advice on working with tools such as:
Putting in place improved control measures may mean that you no longer need to use RPE or can use RPE with a lower assigned protection factor (APF).
For all the latest information and advice around workplace health and safety during the pandemic visit the HSE coronavirus website at www.hse.gov.uk/coronavirus/
A new report produced for FIS Members by Barbour ABI indicates that the total value of construction contract awards in October was £4.9 billion based on a three month rolling average. This is a decrease of 9.4% on September and follows three consecutive months of good growth (see fig. 2.3). Annual comparison shows it is also 1.1% lower than for October 2019. In the three months to October 2020, total contract awards were valued at £14.7 billion which is 75.7% higher than for the previous quarter and is also 1.3% higher than for the comparable quarter ending October 2019.
There was an increase of 8.7% for contract award numbers this month at 871 compared to September. Annual comparisons show marginal (0.8%) improvement.
The North West was the leading region in October with 19.8% of awards and a total of 120 projects. The second largest region was London with value share of 13.8%, whilst tying for third place was the East of England and Scotland both with 11.1% of awards (see fig. 2.2).
Cumbria was the location for the largest contract award in October which was the £175 million Woodhouse Colliery Cumbrian Deep Coal Mine and which was awarded to Hargreaves Services. The second largest award this month was the £126.7 million Gull Wing Lake Lothing Third Crossing in Lowestoft and the successful contractor was Farrans Construction. The One City Road Redevelopment in Manchester was the third largest award at £121.4 million which was awarded to Marshall Construction (West Yorkshire).
The residential sector maintained its leading position in October accounting for 36.8% of contract awards and 202 projects. Underpinned by some major civils awards, infrastructure was the second largest region this month with 22.2% of awards and 131 projects. Accounting for 14.3% of awards and 148 projects, the commercial and retail sector was the third largest in October.
The leading residential award was the £94 million Strawberry Place development in Newcastle upon Tyne which will include 328 flats as part of a mixed use development and was awarded to Tolent Construction. The Metallurgical Coal Project Woodhouse Colliery was the largest infrastructure project valued at £175m which will see the development of a new Cumbrian deep coal mine. The largest commercial and retail award this month was the £121.4 million One City Road Redevelopment
in Manchester where Marshall Construction (West Yorkshire) will provide 48,570 sq m of new office space.
The Construction Products Association’s economics team has analysed the government’s ‘Spending Review 2020’ released today. As expected, the focus of the announcement has primarily been on aiding the recovery from the virus and furthering support for public services. Compared to strong statements from government earlier in the year around “build, build, build”, we have much less to go on today.
That said, with our forecasts showing that infrastructure will be one of the few bright spots for UK construction in the coming year, we are pleased to finally see that government has listened to the CPA and that the National Infrastructure Strategy has some of the detail we’ve long been calling for around the government’s project plans, funding and the path to net-zero. Together with the spring 2021 launch of a new National Infrastructure Bank, we have reason to be encouraged that government is taking real steps, beyond simple headlines, in delivering an infrastructure sector that truly underpins UK construction and the wider economy.”
Announcements relevant to construction and manufacturing are summarised here (FIS members only).
The Shadow Minister for Housing and Planning, Mike Amesbury MP, highlighted the Construction Products Associations’ (CPA) and questions about product testing regimes post-Brexit on the floor of the House of Commons this week in a debate with the Housing Minister about the Construction Products Regulations.
CPA has been in frequent and productive discussions with MHCLG to clarify these points, but have concerns in particular about whether many products presently made in the UK will be legally allowed for sale on the UK market post-Brexit, as they might not be able to be tested and/or proven to conform with the regulatory requirements. Despite this very late stage of the transition period, with only 1.5 months to spare, it remains unclear if the current free trade negotiations with the EU will conclude matters of mutual recognition. Find out more.
The Academy for Construction people, based in Glasgow, has secured funding from CITB to offer a Specialist Applied-Skills Programme at VQ 2 level (/SCQF Level 5 over the next 18 months. This is a Pilot Training Scheme for 24 trainees in the following occupations; Interior Systems / Dryliner Fixer and Passive Fire Protection. The Academy also supports Programmes for Asbestos Removal and Demolition operatives.
The Academy has the backing of the Association for Specialist Fire Protection (ASFP www.asfp.org.uk) and the Finishes and Interior Sector (FIS) www.thefis.org who will work with the Academy to monitor the training standards.
The Passive Fire SAP training will commence in the Training Centre in Nisbet Street, Glasgow on 18 January 2021. Interior Systems/Dry liner Fixer trainees commence training in February/March. The Academy has worked with industry specialists to ensure the integration of training and assessment to meet the requirements of the two qualifications.
Both training programmes will therefore share key technical information so that trainees in each discipline can demonstrate that they understand the need to work collaboratively on site to produce quality work to the required safety standards. Several companies have pledged support for this predominately on-the-job 18-month training programme for both new young entrants and upskilling for existing operatives. On the job assessment is carried out by appropriately trained assessors with proven track records in their trade. All assessment is subject to external verification and mentoring support is given to the trainees on site. The SAP programmes also have the support from the Scottish Specialist Contractors Training Group.
On completion of the 18-month programme, all operatives will have achieved a VQ Level 2/SCQF Level 5 in their area of expertise.
Ian Hughes, CITB Partnerships Director Scotland, said: “We’re really pleased to be able to work with the Academy for Construction People, and look forward to seeing the new Pilot Training Scheme come to fruition in the coming months. At such a crucial time, it provides an excellent opportunity to involve more young people in the sector, while still protecting the existing workforce through chances to upskill.”
ASFP Head of Training Phil Brownhill: “The provision of a formal training and educational route to becoming a competent installer of passive fire protection systems is something that ASFP has consistently supported. We applaud the efforts of the Academy, Avesta Group and ASFP members in Scotland.”
FIS Skills and Training Lead George Swann said, “This is a great opportunity for finishes and interiors sector employer to get their work force qualified. The Academy for Construction People are commended for the work they have done in securing this funding that will directly benefit the sector. As an FIS Approved Training Provider, we fully support this offer and have confidence in the quality of the training provided by the Academy for Construction People.”
Ian Main Chairman of the Academy Steering Group said “This is really good news for the Academy and the Specialist Contracting sector in Scotland and North England.”
Following the publication last week of HMRC’s guidance on the extended furlough scheme which stated that the government was reviewing its stance on furlough being claimed during notice periods, this section of the guidance has now been updated.
Citation has outlined the key points from this update:
For example, if an employer gives an employee 4 weeks-notice starting on 23 November and ending on 18 December, furlough pay can be claimed for the notice days falling within November but no furlough claim can be made from 1 December for the days when the employee was serving the remainder of their notice period.
A new guide that helps business owners understand the needs of its workforce and help plan safe working spaces that enable social distancing and help companies work effectively during the COVID-19 pandemic has been published today.
Entitled “How Business Owners Can Use Partitioning and Ironmongery to Help Manage Social Distancing” it has been created by two of Britain’s leading construction interior trade organisations – the Guild of Architectural Ironmongers (GAI) and the Finishes and Interior Sector (FIS).
The guide, which calls for changes to the style and layout of traditional open plan offices and other workspaces as a result of the pandemic, provides practical guidance to help business owners understand key considerations they need to make when adapting their workplaces. It aims to provide advice as to how to create the correct solution, addressing the issue of DIY screens that all too often fail to perform properly and can have unforeseen consequences with lighting, ventilation and even escape routes.
The GAI and FIS call the process re-cellularisation – the opposite to creating open plan spaces – and is intended to provide cellular space where social distancing can be provided, where teams can collaborate, and where individuals can find safe concentrated spaces when they are in the office.
“Within less than a year, Covid-19 has impacted every aspect of our lives. We’ve already seen big changes to the way that buildings operate, such as one way systems, and workplaces will need to continue to be responsive as new Government advice is released,” said Douglas Masterson, Technical Manager at the GAI. “Businesses need to protect staff, adhere to social distancing and maintain high standards of hygiene without compromising safety and security.
“This guide will be useful to employers who are looking for proactive solutions. It will help them to identify where measures should be implemented and the types of products that can deliver a safe and secure working environment.”
Cellularisation, as explained in the guide, is the creation of spaces using partitioning, raises several questions which include:
Performance considerations, including fire resistance of the partitioning and doors, reducing sound transmission and privacy, also must be considered along with the need for increased ventilation which has a substantial impact on reducing viral infections between occupants.
The guide also shows ways in which new partitions can look by using solid, glazed, part glazed and double glazed elevations, and adding blinds or manifestation which can reinforce a corporate identity or add images of outdoor landscapes to the space.
Joe Cilia, Technical Director at FIS, added, “We wanted to produce an accessible and useful guide that can be used by any business to understand how to approach the issue. The flow chart that we produced with the GAI is easy to follow and ensures that any unknown unknowns are dealt with.”
The guide discusses all aspects of partitioning and how employers can sub-divide working space to protect staff, including using the right ironmongery and how to reduce infection via touch points.
The guide can be downloaded from www.thefis.org or www.gai.org.uk/IndustryUpdates
In the meantime, CITB has been setting up the Levy Strategy Committee of employers and experts to recommend new Levy Proposals and support a longer term review of the Levy. The committee met for the first time in November, but there is one vacancy for an independent member that isn’t employed by a Levy-registered employer. If you have extensive experience of the industry and you work in an organisation that isn’t a CITB registered employer, please consider joining
Government Response to the consultation on the Energy Performance of Buildings: Changes to the Energy Performance of Buildings Regulations 2012 No. 3118
Government Decision
Stakeholders Responses leading to the above decision
A copy of the Government’s response can be downloaded here.
FIS Associate Member Citation is running a webinar entitled ‘Navigating Business Change’, which is aimed specifically at businesses in the construction and trades sector.
This webinar aims to assist members in getting to grips with the latest changes and guidance covering key HR and Health & Safety Considerations, such as how to pass a COVID-Secure inspection and managing employees and long-term homeworking.
Date: Wednesday 25 November
Time: 10am
How to join: REGISTER NOW
The webinar is free of charge, however spaces are limited so we suggest members register in advance of the session. The webinar will cover important topics such as those listed below, and there will be an opportunity to put questions to Citation’s experts on the day.
They will be on hand to answer your business-specific queries, so come along armed with any questions you may have.
We really hope you can make it.
We know that the Covid-19 outbreak has had a seismic effect on the economy, and that some apprentices have been made redundant without completing their apprenticeships, while others are at risk of redundancy. To help provide guidance to both employers and apprentices facing redundancy, the National Apprenticeship Service has introduced a Redundancy Support Service for Apprentices.
The service provides clear, accessible advice and guidance to individuals on the impact of redundancy, their options and next steps. There will also be opportunities to help redundant apprentices to identify new apprenticeship and employment opportunities, and, where they are eligible, complete their current apprenticeship.
The service is made up of three main elements:
• Providing apprentices with advice and guidance on the impact of redundancy
• Signposting apprentices to local and national support services
• An apprenticeship vacancy sharing service to make redundant apprentices aware of new opportunities
If you are aware of any employers who would like to recruit a redundant apprentice or offer new apprenticeship opportunities, please ask them to visit Hiring an apprentice who has been made redundant or call 0800 015 0600 to find out more.
If you are aware of any apprentices who have been made redundant please encourage them to visit Facing redundancy during your apprenticeship or call 0800 015 0400 to speak to an adviser.
More information is available at https://help.apprenticeships.education.gov.uk/hc/en-gb/articles/360015641099-Redundancy-Support-Service-for-Apprentices
The Government is proposing changes to the Construction Industry Scheme (CIS) to be introduced from April 2021.
These include giving HMRC the power to amend CIS deductions in the event of errors or omissions and requiring businesses to apply the CIS when construction expenditure exceeds £3 million over the preceding 12 months. Exemptions to CIS deductions will also be limited going forward and there will be penalties for providing false information.
Some sub-contractor companies are entitled to set CIS deductions suffered in-year against their employer liabilities as provided by section 62(3) FA04 and regulation 56 S.I. 2005/2045. Where, upon challenge from HMRC, the sub-contractor employer cannot provide satisfactory evidence to support the CIS deductions claimed, and when asked the employer does not amend the CIS entry on their EPS within a certain timeframe, HMRC will instead amend the CIS deduction figure claimed on an EPS. The HMRC amendment will match the CIS deductions sum supported by any evidence held by or provided to HMRC.
HMRC will remove the claim altogether where there is no evidence of any CIS deductions in respect of that company or where the employer is not entitled to set-off in this way. The employer liabilities will be recalculated following the amendment. Where HMRC has to amend the CIS credit claimed on an EPS, the employer may also be prevented from making further CIS set-offs in the same tax year. HMRC’s new powers to amend set-off claims and prevent further set-off claims will be decisions subject to review and appeal, unless the claimant is not a sub-contractor company suffering deductions under the CIS. The new powers will be contained in amendments to section 62 FA04, and the operative detail will be contained in regulations by way of amendments to S.I. 2005/2045.
The current rule regarding the cost of materials to be taken into account by a contractor when operating the CIS on a payment to a sub-contractor is set out at section 61(1) FA04. This provision must be read with the definitions of a “construction contract” at section 57 FA04 and of a “contract payment” at section 60 FA04. The newly substituted provisions of section 61 FA04 will clarify that, on making a contract payment to a sub-contractor, the contractor must deduct a sum from the payment which is equal to the relevant percentage of the net payment. In calculating the net payment, the contractor must work out the amount of the contract payment less deductible materials costs. A materials cost will only be deductible if it represents the direct cost of materials purchased by a sub-contractor in respect of that particular contract. The change to these provisions will ensure that it is clear that only the sub-contractor directly purchasing materials to fulfil their own contract with their contractor is entitled to a reduction to account for materials costs from the gross contract payment before the CIS deduction is calculated.
Section 59 FA04 sets out the rules for bringing deemed contractors into the CIS. The general rule to determine whether a non-construction business has to operate the CIS is found at section 59(1)(l) FA04. It requires a turnover threshold for expenditure on construction operations to be met, and that the business reviews this expenditure at the end of each period of account. If average annual expenditure on construction operations exceeds £1 million in each of the last 3 years, the business has to operate CIS on any construction expenditure from the start of the next period of account. When average expenditure is less than £1 million in each of three successive years the business no longer has to operate the CIS on construction expenditure: see section 59(3) FA04. The new rules will require a business to monitor construction expenditure more regularly. When the cumulative expenditure on construction operations exceeds £3million within the previous 12 month period, the business will have to register for the CIS as a contractor (if not already registered) and begin operating the CIS on their next payment to a sub-contractor for construction operations. Deemed contractors will be able to stop operating the CIS when expenditure on construction operations falls below £3m within the previous 12 month period, or when no further payments on construction operations (including retention or management/administration payments) are expected to be made under that or any other construction contract.
HMRC can penalise a person for providing false information when registering for payment under deduction under the CIS or for GPS (section 72 FA04). This penalty applies only to the individual or business to whom the registration applies. The scope of this penalty will be expanded to apply to a wider group of individuals or companies who are able to exercise influence or control over a person who is registering for the CIS, this will include agents, directors, company secretaries, or anyone HMRC believes is in a position to exercise influence and control over the business and/or the person making the CIS registration.
Such persons will be liable to a penalty in two circumstances:
The changes to primary legislation to deliver this measure will be published for consultation alongise this TIIN.
If you have any feedback or concerns, please send your comments to iainmcilwee@thefis.org.
In an open letter to the construction sector, The RT Hon Alok Sharma MP, Secretary of State for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy has paid tribute to the efforts of the construction sector in supporting the UK economy in difficult times. The full text from the letter is displayed below:
To everyone working in the construction sector
On 31 October, the Prime Minister announced further measures in England to curb the spread of Coronavirus. From 5 November, people may only leave home for specific reasons, including for work, if you cannot work from home. The Prime Minister explained that workplaces should stay open where people cannot work from home, for example in the construction or manufacturing sectors.
The construction sector, which is a key part of our economy, remains open. Where it is essential to travel to your place of work to do your job, you should continue to do so. Building merchants and hardware stores will be able to stay open to support this as normal or through click-and-collect services.
The Government continues to update our safe working guidance. Updated guidance for England for working from your place of work from 5 November is available on https://www.gov.uk/guidance/working-safely-during-coronavirus-covid-19
During this difficult Autumn, I want to pay tribute to you and express my admiration for all the work you are doing. Whether working on large or small construction sites, in peoples’ homes across the country, in builders’ merchants, designing and project managing schemes or producing construction and mineral products, you are making an invaluable contribution in supporting the economy.
Since the outset of the pandemic in March, you have performed a vital role. In the past six months we have seen the industry build the Nightingale Hospitals, accelerate the delivery of infrastructure projects, support vital public services and help the country adapt buildings to become Covid-Secure. Whilst doing this, the industry has itself had to innovate and adapt, changing the way it operates on sites, finding more efficient ways of delivering projects, and collaborating effectively throughout the supply chain.
My Department and I are in regular contact with industry leaders about the risks, issues and challenges you face.
Thank you again to everyone operating in the UK construction sector. You are making a hugely valued and critical contribution to our country.
Yours sincerely,
THE RT HON ALOK SHARMA MP
Secretary of State for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy
You can download a copy of the letter here – https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/coronavirus-covid-19-letter-to-the-construction-sector-november-2020
From 1 January 2021, a new Find a Tender Service (FTS) will be used to post public procurement notices published by UK contracting authorities, which have previously appeared on the European Tenders Electronic Daily (TED) portal. Contracts Finder will still be available for certain notices, and companies registered with Contracts Finder will automatically be transferred to the new service when it goes live.
To find out more, there is a helpful 30‐minute CLC webinar where Crown Commercial Service demonstrates how the new FTS will work.
FIS is delighted to announce that 16 new product ranges have been verified through the FIS Acoustic Verification Scheme. The Scheme was established in 2019 to introduce standard methodology and support honest and consistent declaration of acoustic performance, encouraging best practice and preventing inaccurate or misleading information from undermining the market and responsible manufacturers in the Partitions and Operable Wall Sector.
On achieving accreditation for their partitions Director of iWall Ltd, Adrian Law stated “iWall is pleased to be part of the FIS Acoustic Verification Scheme as it creates a standard within the industry helping us to deliver what our customers expect from us. It gives our clients confidence that the product they select from our range has been thoroughly tested and the data produced is accurate”.
Sales Manager, Alex Stewart at Acoustic Wall Systems Limited (who have verified 5 operable wall systems through the scheme) commented “The Movable Wall Industry has long been tainted with false misleading data when it comes to Acoustics, we therefore did not hesitate to participate in the FIS Acoustic Verification Scheme that champions integrity within the office fit out industry. Acoustics are an essential criteria when considering a movable wall system, we are therefore proud to be part of the FIS verification scheme that provides a database that customers and specifies can use with confidence’’
The FIS Acoustic Verification Process
The process for verification to the FIS Acoustic Verification Scheme Standard is as follows:
You can download our FIS Datasheet here. Full details of the technical requirements are available in the FIS Acoustic Verification Scheme Manual, available on request via info@thefis.org
The Q3 Construction Trade Survey follows one of the worst quarters in history for sales of construction products and materials, and contractor and surveyor workloads. The seven-week coronavirus lockdown in Q2 saw the industry bear the brunt of pauses in activity in March, April and May. An easing of restrictions from mid-May and a change in seasons in terms of the weather kicked off the subsequent returns to site and rebound in activity throughout Q3.
Ofqual publishes regulatory arrangements on adapting vocational and technical qualifications and assessments in 2021.
In recognition that some learners taking vocational and technical qualifications (VTQs) have experienced lost teaching and training time as a result of COVID-19 and that appropriate arrangements need to be put in place to mitigate the impact of this disruption and respond to any ongoing or future public health measures. Ofqual consulted on proposals to permit awarding organisations to adjust their qualifications and assessments, which took account of the different ways in which the qualifications are used ranging from those taken alongside, or instead of general qualifications, to those used to signal occupational competency. On 7 September, Ofqual confirmed their decisions and the proposed arrangements will be implemented in full.
On 12 October 2020 Ofqual published the Extended Extraordinary Regulatory Framework (ERF), to put the arrangements into effect. The Extended ERF sets out the regulatory arrangements and statutory guidance with which awarding organisations must comply when adapting their qualifications. It includes 4 principles with which awarding organisations must comply when making their decisions around adaptations, supported by statutory guidance. Ofqual have also included statutory guidance on Special Consideration within the regulatory framework.
At a time when many programmes have been paused, CITB has maintained its support for a nationwide network of local and specialist Training Groups, so that employers who are Training Group members can access the local training they need.
However, CITB need to look at costs given the significant reduced levy income for the foreseeable future. At the same time, they need to consider what are the most effective ways to help companies access training at a local level, while ensuring value for money and quality of provision.
On Wednesday 11 November 2020, CITB launched an industry wide consultation on how best to provide support in future. This will help them understand the biggest benefits of Training Groups to employers and gather thoughts on the options CITB are presenting.
You can find the full options paper and the survey on the CITB website. If you need more information, please contact the CITB Partnership Team or give George a call.
With the second lockdown for England now in force, education and training is set to continue across the country for all industries and sectors. Awarding Organisations are providing information to centres on acceptable approaches and contingencies to ensure government guidance aimed at reducing infection is applied. From what we have seen so far Training Providers for the construction industry are being encouraged to continue delivering training, assessment and qualifications, including end point assessments. Special measures that have enabled 25,000 apprentices to complete their end-point assessment during the Covid-19 pandemic will be retained until at least March 2021.
The FIS Approved Training Provider network will continue to deliver training and qualifications for FIS members and there are discounts and offers available, have a look at membership benefits on the membership hub. FIS is happy to help identify a supplier for your training needs, a list of available training and qualifications and suppliers can be found here or give us a call on 0121 707 0077 or email info@thefis.org.
