by Clair Mooney | 22 Feb, 2021 | Market data
The Q4 Construction Trade Survey signals a continued, but tentative, recovery for the construction industry following the disruptions to activity from Covid-19 between March and May. SME building contractors and chartered surveyors recorded an increase in workloads during Q4, whilst product manufacturers on both the heavy side and the light side reported quarterly increases in sales.
FIS members can download the report here. More data from the CPA is available within our Membership Hub.
by Clair Mooney | 16 Feb, 2021 | Main News Feed
The rules for using the UKCA and the UKNI images have added additional instructions regarding the height of the markings. This now state under “Rules for using the UKCA image” and “Rules for using the UKNI image”:
- “the UKCA marking is at least 5mm in height for the whole logo, not individual letters – unless a different minimum dimension is specified in the relevant legislation.”
- “the UKNI marking is at least 5mm in height for the whole logo, not individual letters – unless a different minimum dimension is specified in the relevant legislation.”
Previously this only stated “the UKCA (or the UKNI) marking is at least 5mm in height – unless a different minimum dimension is specified in the relevant legislation.
Please click here to view the updated government guidance for using the UKCA marking and here for using the UKNI marking.
by Clair Mooney | 11 Feb, 2021 | Membership
RThe #StopReverseVAT campaign is off to a great start reaching more than 1.2 million social media users in its first week.
Whilst the Treasury’s position is still to introduce Reverse VAT on 1 March, the campaign is gathering pace and traction with an Early Day Motion being tabled by Kirsten Oswald MP calling for the Government to reconsider the implementation of Reverse VAT. Early Day Motions are a great way of drawing attention to subjects and increasing support for this motion is an excellent way of raising the profile of Reverse VAT within parliament. Kirsten has also contacted Build UK offering her support for the campaign.
Build UK has issued a press release in response to the Chancellor’s Plan for Jobs and Andy Steele, Vice Chairman of Build UK, spoke directly to the Construction Minister, Anne-Marie Trevelyan, urging her to raise the issue of Reverse VAT with her colleagues in the Treasury and make sure that they fully understand its impact on the industry and the supply chain.
Keep up the pressure
With the amount of interest already being shown, we want to keep up the pressure on the Government to withdraw the Reverse VAT legislation. You can really help by:
- Writing to your Member of Parliament:
- highlighting the damaging impact Reverse VAT will have on your business, sector and the construction industry
- including the Reverse VAT Factsheet
- asking them to support Early Day Motion (EDM) 1466
- Sharing more postcards using your Trade Association branding to show the range of sectors supporting the campaign
- Liking, retweeting and commenting on social media postings that have used #StopReverseVAT
- Include @HMTreasury @Jesse_Norman @RishiSunak @Annietrev #PlanforJobs in your postings on social media.
Read more on how the campaign to stop Reverse VAT is gaining momentum.
by Clair Mooney | 10 Feb, 2021 | Membership
FIS has launched a revised and updated Site Guide for Suspended Ceilings to help a project team fully understand the requirements of the suspended ceiling contractor.
The Site Guide for Suspended Ceilings was produced by the FIS Ceilings and Absorbers working group which comprises representation from manufacturers, suppliers and contractors involved in the design, supply and construction of ceiling systems. The site guide is intended to help main contractors, designers and project managers to understand the terminology, descriptors and different ceiling systems used, and the process of delivery, handling and planning the installation. It also provides an understanding of the site conditions, the plant and access equipment needed as well as highlighting the key health and safety points and requirements from the Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015 (CDM).
“In publishing this guide, FIS’s aim is to help the project team achieve a completed building that looks and functions to its full design potential. It is not intended as a definitive technical manual, but rather a framework that will support main contractors, site managers/supervisors, designers, engineers and others involved through the building process.”
Iain McIlwee, FIS Chief Executive
The early appointment of a specialist suspended ceiling contractor who has the necessary experience and resources to achieve satisfactory completion is of major importance whilst contractor membership of FIS will be a significant indicator of a contractor’s suitability.
The guide sits alongside other FIS best practice guides that relate to ceilings:
Installation of suspended ceilings
Selection and installation of top fixings for suspended ceilings
Maintenance and access into suspended ceilings
Recommendations for the Safe Ingress of Plasterboard
Health and safety handbook
In addition, the new specifiers guide to suspended ceilings will be available in Spring 2021.
These guides work well when they are included in proposals and project plans to demonstrate how to best approach a project. They are also good indicators if a contractor puts the guide forward as part of a submission of a contractor’s ability to deliver the ceiling installation to the required standard and are an excellent introduction to new members of the team and any trainees and apprentices.
You can download the Site Guide for Suspended Ceilings here.
by Clair Mooney | 10 Feb, 2021 | Skills
Qualifications in Wales have announced alternative assessment arrangements for Essential Skills Wales qualifications. Centres will be able to provide a Centre Determined Grade for learners who are unable to access the adapted methods of assessments due to the impact of COVID-19. The arrangements will allow greater flexibility for centres to support as many learners as possible to complete their qualifications by allowing a wider range of evidence to be used to demonstrate the learner has the relevant skills. The alternative assessment arrangements will apply to all Essential Skills Wales qualification: Application of Number, Communication, Digital Literacy and Employability, including Entry Level, and will be available to learners due to complete their qualifications before 31 August 2021.
What this means
- Where learners are able to complete the adapted assessments, they can continue to do so. The adaptations to the assessments remain in place and remote assessment and invigilation options are being made available.
- If learners are unable to complete their assessments, the centre may consider delaying the assessment until later in the course if this is unlikely to cause a negative impact for the learner.
- If learners are likely to be negatively impacted by a delay and there is a risk to their successful completion of the qualification and future progression, then the centre can move to a Centre Determined Grade approach.
- Centres will need to inform their awarding body if they intend to use Centre Determined Grades.
- The Centre Determined Grade must be supported by good evidence that shows that the learner has demonstrated they have the necessary essential skills at the relevant qualification level.
- Awarding bodies will provide further guidance on the types of evidence that can be used and on the quality assurance arrangements in early March.
Qualifications in Wales understand that many learners are waiting to complete their Essential Skills Wales qualifications so that they can progress to employment or further study. This approach allows flexibility in how learners complete their Essential Skills Wales qualifications while disruption to teaching and assessment continues and allows centres to make decisions that are in the best interests of their learners.
by Clair Mooney | 10 Feb, 2021 | Skills
Apprentices can support your plans for the future.
To help support employers who hire an apprentice, additional incentive payments for taking on an apprentice have been extended to 31 March 2021. This includes hiring redundant apprentices.
George Swann, FIS Skills and Training Lead said: “This is great news for all finishes and interiors organisations with the capacity to take on an apprentice, but have been restricted by the current lockdown. If you have not given any thought to employing an apprentice and feel you have capacity it is well worth considering as these incentive payments enhance the benefits of adding an apprentice or two to your workforce”.
Some of the benefits of hiring a redundant apprentice include:
- a quick return on investment as you’ll have a work-ready apprentice who already has relevant skills and experience
- finding the right skills you need to boost your organisation
- supporting an enthusiastic apprentice who has lost their job with a new opportunity
FIS produced guidance explaining the apprentice incentives and how they are accessed. Full details here.
There is also a document ‘Apprentices – Guidance for Employers’ https://www.thefis.org/skills-hub/apprenticeships/ which has information to help you recruit an apprentice and access all the funding your organisation may be eligible for.
Following this announcement the ESFA Apprenticeship Agreement for Employers has been updated.
The latest version of the agreement will be available for employers to accept through their apprenticeship service account from 1 Feb 2021. Employers will need to accept the latest agreement if they wish to apply for incentive payments for apprentices who start their apprenticeship between 1 Feb 2021 and 31 March 2021, where they are eligible to do so.
by Clair Mooney | 2 Feb, 2021 | Main News Feed
The latest results published under the Duty to Report on Payment Practices and Performance show that the payment performance of Build UK members has continued to improve over the last six months despite the significant challenges presented by the coronavirus pandemic. Contractor members are now reporting an average of 35 days to pay invoices, down from 36 days last July and 45 days when the Build UK table was first published in July 2018. On average, they now pay 93% of invoices within 60 days, up from 82% two years ago, and 79% of their invoices are paid within terms, compared to 61% in 2018.
The Build UK table features more than 100 of the industry’s largest companies, including contractors, clients and housebuilders, to provide a comprehensive picture of payment practices across the construction industry.
by Clair Mooney | 2 Feb, 2021 | Membership
Companies that deferred VAT between 20 March and 30 June 2020 can either make payment in full by 31 March 2021 or opt in to the VAT deferral payment scheme when it launches shortly. The new scheme will allow companies to repay their VAT in up to 11 interest‐free monthly instalments until March 2022, rather than in one lump sum.
by Clair Mooney | 29 Jan, 2021 | Skills
North West Skills Academy, an FIS Approved Training Provider Member, has secured funding to support FIS members that are looking to get the existing workforce qualified.
This is a unique opportunity to show investment in employees and beat the ‘starting gun’ that will see a rush of organisations and independent operatives looking to achieve qualifications when the Building Safety Bill is implemented. Proof of competence in an occupation is going to become a ‘must have’ and a qualified workforce will prepare your organisation for future work. In addition, for those registered with CITB the GET Code fund and FIS Training Group Supplementary fund makes these qualifications cost zero.
If you are interested, you can find out more by visiting https://www.nwskillsacademy.co.uk/commercial-application
100% Funded One Day Assessment NVQ Assessments
Experienced Worker Practical Assessment (EWPA)
- NVQ Level 2 in Dry Lining Fixing
- NVQ Level 2 in Dry Lining Finishing
- NVQ Level 2 in Joinery
- NVQ Level 2 in Wall & Floor Tiling
- NVQ Level 2 in Painting & Decorating
Registration proces:
- Register and pay North West Skills Academy
- Provide work history (5 years) and witness testimonies
- Attend and complete one day assessment
- Claim CITB GET code
- Present the invoice and claim FIS Training Group Supplementary Fund. This funding is limited and will not be available forever for details contact FIS.
Preston Assessment Centre, Units 3,4 & 33, Momentum Place, Preston, PR5 6EF
Stoke Assessment Centre, Unit 46, Marcus House, Longton, Stoke-on-Trent, ST3 5XA
For more details please call: 0161 442 4344 and press option 1 or email nvq@nwskills.academy.co.uk
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.
