The new UK domestic regime will cover most goods currently subject to the EU’s CE marking. The technical requirements for these goods will be the same on 1 January 2021 as they are now. However, there will be certain changes, including the introduction of the UKCA marking and a system of third-party conformity assessment by UK-recognised approved bodies, in place of the current EU system of notified bodies.
There will be a ‘standstill period’ which for most CE marked goods will last from 1 January 2021 the 31 December 2021. During this time businesses are encouraged to be ready for full implementation of the new UK regime as soon as possible after 1 January 2021. However, to allow businesses time to adjust, CE marked goods in scope of this guidance that meet EU requirements (where these match UK requirements) can continue to be placed on the GB market until 1 January 2022 where EU and UK requirements remain the same. This includes goods which have been assessed by an EU recognised notified body.
These transitional measures will only apply until the 1 January 2022. From this point the UKCA mark will be required to be displayed on products, where the CE mark is currently used, to show compliance to the UK domestic regime. To ease the burden on businesses, until the 1 January 2023 for most UKCA marked goods you have the option to affix the UKCA marking on a label affixed to the product or on an accompanying document. The economic operators (whether manufacturer, importer, or distributor) should take reasonable steps to ensure the UKCA marking remains in place. From 1 January 2023, the UKCA marking must, in most cases, be affixed directly to the product. You should start building this into your design process ready for this date.
There are four links to guidance we would like to bring to your attention:
FIS has launched a new factsheet focusing on the detailing of Prepared Service Openings commonly referred to as Builders Work Holes.
In launching the factsheet, FIS Technical Director Joe Cilia stated: “We have had a number of enquiries through our helpline in recent weeks looking at the proximity and permitted sizes of service openings.
Anyone following the Grenfell Inquiry and the cross examining of the various construction and site managers will see how it is possible for details to fall between cracks – all to often we we hear phrases like “the architect says it is the contractors choice”. This is the sort of area where design liability can be assumed and decisions must be informed by test evidence and properly signed off.
This factsheet isn’t so much about the definitive answers as these will depend on materials and environment and what the supplier/ manufacturer of the system states is required to maintain performance, but it is about making sure that the right process is followed and ultimately ensuring that a safety first approach is adopted.
The key point we are making is that early engagement in the design process is absolutely essential – we have to get away from the culture where the detailing is left to the last minute and the contractor expected to carry all the risk!”
There is no requirement under RIDDOR (The Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations 2013) to report incidents of disease or deaths of members of the public, patients, care home residents or service users from COVID-19.The reporting requirements relating to cases of, or deaths from, COVID-19 under RIDDOR apply only to occupational exposure, that is, as a result of a person’s work.
What to report
You should only make a report under RIDDOR when one of the following circumstances applies:
an accident or incident at work has, or could have, led to the release or escape of coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2). This must be reported as a dangerous occurrence
a person at work (a worker) has been diagnosed as having COVID-19 attributed to an occupational exposure to coronavirus. This must be reported as a case of disease
Dangerous occurrences are certain unintended, specified events, which may not result in a reportable injury, but which do have the potential to cause significant harm.
For an incident to be reportable as a dangerous occurrence, the incident must have resulted (or could have resulted) in the release or escape of coronavirus, that is, led to a possible or actual exposure to coronavirus.
The assessment does not require any complex analysis, measurement or test, but rather for a reasonable judgement to be made as to whether the circumstances gave rise to a real risk or had the potential to cause significant harm.
When deciding if a report is required, the responsible person (usually the employer) must make a judgement, based on the information available, as to whether or not a confirmed diagnosis of COVID-19 is likely to have been caused by an occupational exposure, that is, whether or not there is reasonable evidence that a work-related exposure is the likely cause of the disease.
The report should specify a disease due to exposure to a biological agent and use the case of disease report form.
Work-related deaths due to exposure to a biological agent
For an incident to be reportable as a death due to occupational exposure to coronavirus there must be reasonable evidence that a work-related exposure caused the worker’s death.
The responsible person should notify the enforcing authority by the quickest practicable means, without delay, and send a report within 10 days. The report should specify death due to exposure to a biological agent using the “case of disease” report form.
Education represents the second largest element of public service spending in the UK behind Health – equivalent to around 4.3 per cent of national income. However, despite this level of commitment, the UK continues to face significant challenges when it comes to ensuring there are sufficient school places to meet growing demand.
According to ‘The School Places Challenge 2019’ published by Scape Group, despite efforts to increase school building over recent years, local authorities continue to face an uphill battle – with the number of children needing a school place in England expected to rise by 385,031 by 2021/22, and Scotland, Northern Ireland and Wales expecting to require an additional 33,179 pupils between them by 2020/21.
In a post Covid-19 financial landscape the need to deliver high quality buildings with improved levels of efficiency will never be greater – and represents an opportunity to turn this challenge into a positive catalyst for change.
The Construction Leadership Council has identified that innovation and smart construction has the potential to transform the productivity of the construction sector, address its capacity issues and improve the quality and performance of the buildings we produce.
We have already seen positive progress by the Innovation in Buildings workstream to drive the adoption of smart construction within a Residential context and are now pleased to extend this thinking across another sector.
Working with the Department for Education and a number of key industry, academic and government representatives we have commenced the development of a collaborative plan of action to deliver a real increase in smart construction across Educational building delivery.
The findings of our initial launch workshop are published below, and we look forward to sharing our ongoing progress with you throughout 2020 and beyond.
In a letter supported by FIS issued to Kevin Steward MSP, Minister for Local Government Housing and Planning, the Chair of the CICV Forum draws attention to the unwelcome practice of amendments to Building Contracts in both the public and private sector and the devastating impact this can have on the construction sector as risk is forced through the supply chain. The letter alerts the Minister to one instance where a contract from a Local Authority was presented with a total of 67 pages of amendments.
The letter also spotlights specific instances where entitlement have been removed and contractors are being forced to take all the financial impact of COVID related events.
In support of the letter, FIS CEO Iain McIlwee stated: “Once again we see the industry working together lead by the CICV. It is so disappointing to see some of these underhand tactics being used to exploit the industry’s need to find work and ramp things back up again – Alan makes some excellent points in his letter and I hope the Scottish Government will step up and take on board the suggestions contained. With the extended lock down Scottish Businesses have had a particularly difficult time, but these issues are not confined to Scotland and companies across the UK need to be very careful about what they sign up to in these uncertain times.”
Note that the Construction Leadership Council continue to gather information about the nature and extent of commercial issues within the industry – the deadline for the survey (which can be completed here) is Friday 21st August. FIS is encouraging all members to complete where they have concerns to raise specific issues as they arise with FIS.
If Labour Only Sub Contractors are eligible for the second and final Income Support Scheme grant, and have been adversely affected on or after 14 July 2020, you can make a claim on or before 19 October 2020. You can claim for the second grant even if you did not make a claim for the first grant. If you have different circumstances it can affect your eligibility. If you’re self-employed or member of a partnership, find out how your circumstances can affect your eligibility for the scheme.
Please see here to understand how HMRC works out trading and non-trading income for the Self Employment Income Support Scheme.
A new version of the ‘Safe Working During the COVID-19 Pandemic Guidelines’ is now available.
Version 2 of the Guidelines offers a comprehensive, practical approach, applicable to all organizations, large and small.
The Guidelines provide recommendations, based on user experience and expert input, for safe working during the pandemic. They have been enhanced and extended, based on the best and latest information, to help prevent a second wave.
Major new clauses added are:
Working from home
Managing suspected or confirmed cases of COVID-19
Multiple or mobile workplaces
Safe use of toilets
Reporting to external parties
Inclusivity and accessibility
Psychological health and well-being.
The information and recommendations within the Guidelines can be used by any organisation managing the risks related to COVID-19, regardless of size, type or location.
Where a worker has been diagnosed as having COVID-19 and there is reasonable evidence to suggest that it was caused by occupational exposure, employers are required to report the case to the relevant enforcing authority under the Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations 2013 (RIDDOR).
Latest published figures up to week ending 11 July show:
7,971 disease notifications of COVID-19 in workers where occupational exposure is suspected were reported to enforcing authorities (HSE and LAs) over the period 10th April – 11 July, including 119 death notifications
around 80% of all worker reported cases (fatal and non-fatal) since 10 April were in HSE enforced workplaces
the majority of reports received since 10th April are for workers in the Health and Social Work sector (including for example hospitals, residential homes and day care). Around 75% of reports were recorded by employers against these activities, although the actual percentage may be higher as it is known that many reports for this sector get mis-classified by employers, particularly to the accommodation sector and to other personal services
85% of worker COVID-19 reports received since 10 April were from workplaces in England, 8% in Wales and 7% in Scotland
the number of COVID-19 notifications made to enforcing authorities has generally fallen week-on-week since beginning of May, and is now at the lowest weekly level since week commencing 12 April (consistent weekly data is unavailable prior to then)
all cases that are reported to HSE and Local Authorities are being assessed and investigations initiated where incidents meet our published Incident Selection Criteria. We are unable to comment on individual investigations at this time.
Total suspected occupational COVID-19 reports made by employers to the Enforcing Authorities, 12 April to 11 July 2020
The statutory disease reporting form was changed on 10 April to enable systematic identification of COVID-19 reports. Guidance was also issued on this date around reporting requirements for COVID-19 deaths under RIDDOR. While some COVID reports may have been made prior to 10th April, they will not be consistent with later time periods. Therefore the data considers reports from 10 April onwards only.
The Government has also published New guidance for businesses and organisations on how to recognise, contain and report incidents of coronavirus has been published. Action cards have been developed to cover a range of businesses and organisations to provide specific advice on the issues each type of organisation may face now lockdown restrictions have been eased. The cards are designed to be printed or downloaded to keep on hand in your business or organisation.
In recognition that Apprenticeships will be more important than ever in helping businesses to recruit the right people and develop the skills they need to recover and grow – both now and in the long-term. Due to the economic impact of the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak the government has introduced incentive payments for hiring a new apprentice to help organisations offer new apprenticeships.
Employers who hire a new apprentice between 1 August 2020 and 31 January 2021 can apply for:
£2,000 for each new apprentice aged 16 to 24
£1,500 for each new apprentice 25 and over
You can apply for the payment from 1 September 2020, after you add new apprentices to your apprenticeship service account. The first payments will be made from January 2021 and will be paid directly into employer’s bank accounts.
How the incentive payments for hiring a new apprentice works
You’ll get the payment in 2 equal instalments. You will be eligible for 50% of the payment 90 days after the apprentice’s start date, and the remaining 50% after the apprentice completes 365 days of their apprenticeship.
The apprentice will need to be in employment and undertaking their apprenticeship at these times as evidenced in the Individualised Learner Record.
Apprentices who’ve been made redundant are eligible as long as they’re a new employee to your organisation. To get the second instalment the apprentice must have at least one year (356 days) of training left to complete.
The Northern Ireland Protocol will take effect from 1 January 2021. New guidance provides support for businesses engaging in new processes under the Northern Ireland Protocol. The guidance outlines that, under the Northern Ireland Protocol, the UK Government will ensure that:
Moving goods from Northern Ireland to Great Britain should take place as it does now – there will be no additional process, paperwork, or restrictions on Northern Ireland goods moving to Great Britain, delivering unfettered access.
Changes for goods moving from Great Britain to Northern Ireland will be kept to an absolute minimum – with a new Trader Support Service, available to all traders at no cost, to be established to provide wraparound support, alongside guidance on the processes for food and agricultural products designed to uphold the longstanding status of the island of Ireland as a single epidemiological unit.
Trade in goods between Northern Ireland and Ireland, and between Northern Ireland and EU Member States, will continue unaffected, with no change at the border, no new paperwork, and no tariffs or regulatory checks.
For trade with the rest of the world, Northern Ireland will benefit from UK FTAs – ensuring the benefits of those agreements are felt right across the United Kingdom.
If businesses are impacted by these changes, they may want to consider the Trader Support Service. It can help businesses if they:
move goods between Great Britain and Northern Ireland, or bring goods into Northern Ireland from outside the UK;
act on behalf of someone to move goods between Great Britain and Northern Ireland, or bring goods into Northern Ireland from outside the UK;
are based in Northern Ireland and receive goods from outside of Northern Ireland;
send parcels between Great Britain and Northern Ireland, or bring parcels into Northern Ireland from outside the UK, using Royal Mail or an express operator.
The Trader Support Service will be free to use and will guide businesses through any changes to the way goods move between Great Britain and Northern Ireland, and into Northern Ireland from outside the UK. Businesses can also use it to get declarations completed on their behalf. Businesses can register an interest in the Trader Support Service here.
Apply for grants if your business completes customs declarations
Businesses can apply for 3 grants to help their business complete customs declarations. They can apply to get funding for:
training that helps a business to complete customs declarations and processes;
hiring new staff to help their business complete customs declarations;
IT improvements to help their business complete customs declarations more efficiently.
More information on the scheme and how to apply is available here.
The FIS Training Group has secured funding to supplement the cost of training courses completed by FIS employer members. This FIS Supplement is in addition to the CITB GET code grant you claim from CITB for short duration courses. Organisations are eligible for this FIS Supplement if the training undertaken is not on their CITB Skills and Training Fund Plan.
FIS Skills and Training Lead, George Swann, states “This is good news for the training group and our community as it enables members to access additional funding of up to £1,000 to cover a wide array of training, from generic health and safety through to specialist courses such as spray plastering, deflection heads or fire door inspection. If you wish to make use of this supplementary funding we advise you to get in touch with FIS asap as it is a limited pot.”
Application for this supplementary funding is straightforward and will be based on quarterly caps. It will be administered on a first come first served basis. To claim an applicant will simply need to send your invoice to info@thefis.org or telephone 0121 707 0077, FIS will review in line with availability and the set CITB criteria. If the claim meets the requirements of the supplement and the cap has not been reached we will arrange a refund of 50% of the course costs up to a maximum value of £250 per delegate, £1,000 per company per year, less the Tier GET code grant claimed from CITB.
CITB GET Fund FIS Supplement Terms and Conditions:
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.
The supplement cannot be used for Grant Eligible training that is already included on an individual employer contracted CITB Skills and Training allocation.
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 which have been carried out 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 in the first week of October 2020, first week of December 2020 and first week of March 2021.
Funding is limited so cannot be guaranteed.
FIS are currently surveying members to identify the GET Code training courses in most demand. If your organisation uses CITB short duration courses, please complete this survey
FIS is happy to review and support all of your funding claims through our one to one Skills and Funding Clinics (remember at this time you can still claim CITB Grants for courses undertaken completed in 2019 up until end November 2020 – our Skills clinics will help you to identify and process these claims). 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.
In response to coronavirus, the use of face coverings has become mandatory in more public places, and construction employers have asked the CLC for guidance to help provide a consistent approach across the industry. In The Use of Face Coverings in Construction during Coronavirus (COVID-19), it is proposed that employers make available face coverings as a minimum where workers are not required to wear RPE for their specific task and their workplace meets all of the following criteria:
an enclosed space
where social distancing isn’t always possible
where they come into contact with others they do not normally meet.
The full guidance reads:
The Use of Face Coverings in Construction during Coronavirus (COVID-19)
Construction employers have asked the CLC for guidance on the use of face coverings in response to coronavirus to help provide a consistent approach across the industry.
Definitions
Face coverings are made from fabric or cloth and cover the mouth and nose to protect others, not the user, from infection. They are not PPE as they do not protect people from work-related hazards and are not made to a recognised standard.
Surgical face masks are designed and manufactured to be used in medical settings to limit the spread of infection and they are resistant to droplets of fluids and splashes. Whilst they are made to a recognised standard, they are not considered to be PPE.
Visors are classed as PPE and are usually worn to protect the face and eyes. They protect users, not others, against droplets carrying infection.
Respirators which are used extensively in construction activities, are classed as PPE and protect people from work-related hazards that cannot be eliminated or reduced in any other way. They should be specific to the hazard identified and provided free of charge by employers.
Current Position
The use of face coverings in response to coronavirus is mandatory for members of the public in an increasing number of specified places, most of which meet all of the following criteria:
enclosed public spaces
where social distancing isn’t always possible
where people come into contact with others they do not normally meet
The use of face coverings or PPE is not required in response to coronavirus in offices or whilst carrying out construction activities and the Government guidance on Working safely during coronavirus (COVID-19) – Construction and other outdoor work states that: Workplaces should not encourage the precautionary use of extra PPE to protect against COVID-19 outside clinical settings or when responding to a suspected or confirmed case of COVID-19.
CLC Position
Where construction workers are not required to wear PPE for their specific task and their workplace meets all of the criteria below, their employer should make available, as a minimum, face coverings:
an enclosed space
where social distancing isn’t always possible
where they come into contact with others they do not normally meet
Current Social Distancing Requirements
Workers should maintain a distance of two metres, or one metre with risk mitigation where two metres is not viable.
Specific additional guidance on Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)/Respiritory Protective Equipment (RPE) from the FIS
This new announcement from the CLC has not required any change to FIS Guidance already issued. This will continue to be reviewed against official advice and new information available.
FIS COVID-19 Guide to the Selection of Personal and Respiratory Protective Equipment
With PPE / RPE in short supply and a variety of often conflicting information and advice, FIS has produced this guide to help companies to select the right PPE and manage common construction hazardous substances e.g. dust in an environment with the added complexities of protection against COVID-19.
PPE Certificate Checklist
Are you sure that your personal protective equipment (PPE) is legal and its CE compliance certificate is genuine and relates directly to the performance of the equipment?
Guidance on managing applying PPE
As well as issuing PPE it is vital that we ensure people know how to put it on, remove it, clean it or dispose of it to ensure that we eliminate all risks.
FIS has updated its BIM Toolbox to embrace the principles of BS EN ISO 1950 (which supersedes BS 1192: Collaborative production of architectural, engineering and construction information. This new standard aligns the UK with International Standards and extends information management principles and requirements within a broader context of digital transformation (including construction and asset management industries), driving the consistent management of all information (whether it’s a report, a drawing or a model, etc).
This FIS BIM toolbox was originally produced back in 2015 to support specialist contractors to develop and deliver a Building Information Modelling (BIM) implementation plan, through an understanding of the key process documents that relate directly to the activities of the sector, focusing on what is required and how to deliver it.
Section A provides an introduction to BIM and considers the business case for its adoption. Section B looks at the development of BIM capability, implementation of a BIM deployment plan and delivering on a BIM project.
The FIS BIM Toolkit also includes access to new resources to support members in completing Pre Qualification Tender information.
The ISO 19650 series combined with the launch of the UK BIM Framework extends the scope of BIM to consider all information whether it’s a construction programme, a record of a meeting, a geometrical model or a contract administration certificate, providing a more holistic framework where information is considered from the outset of a project. It relies on the following principles:
• Information requirements are defined before information is created, to aid selection of delivery teams.
• The delivery of information to meet the requirements is planned and tested.
• The delivery of information is carefully managed within a common data environment.
• The delivered information is checked against the original requirements, and either accepted or rejected accordingly.
The Toolkit also updates on key terminology to align to the UK BIM Framework as opposed to referring to concepts such as BIM Level 2, which doesn’t specify precisely what information is required, when it is required or which party should generate it.
Mark Norton, Head of BIM | UK Fit Out, Construction London & Engineering Services UK,ISG and Chair of the FIS Digital Construction Working Group stated “Whilst much attention has been on how digital solutions have transformed the way we communicate and collaborate during the COVID crisis, the truth is that the digital revolution has already been driving profound change in the construction sector in the past couple of years. BIM is a central pillar of this, effectively allowing that digital flow of essential information, the Golden Thread as Dame Judith Hackitt refers to it, to move through the supply chain. It also provides a better framework for collaboration, ensuring that essential details are not lost and that we do design and then build, pre-empting and designing out problems, not design a bit, then build a bit and waste time fighting a rear guard action, trying to make the best of it.”
FIS CEO Iain McIlwee added, “I think at times we are in danger of a bit of BIM fatigue, when I think back to 2011 and the first discussions about BIM it was the answer to everything, but nearly 10 years on we are still not seeing the full realisation of these aspirations. But we are getting closer. The recent NBS BIM Report tells us that over half of those construction professionals surveyed now use BIM on most of their projects and a resounding 85% see improvements in collaboration. Reading through this guide refreshed my hope that we are still on the right path, when you strip out all the jargon we are talking about collaboration, early engagement, clearer standards to exchange information and all of the principles intrinsic to the FIS Product Process People Quality Framework.”
The CLC has issued a Contracts and Disputes Survey to understand the nature and extent of commercial issues within the industry. The findings will inform a review and any updates to the CLC’s guidance and the deadline for responses is Friday 21 August.
As part of the Construction Leadership Council’s Industry Recovery Roadmap Phase 1: Reset target of minimising disruption, the CLC Disputes & Collaboration workstream have published guidance and templates (7th May and 14th July respectively) in order to support industry to mitigate the impact of COVID-19 on project delivery and business resilience.
However, to set the direction of future work in this area, the CLC Disputes & Collaboration Workstream have compiled a short survey to ascertain the nature and extent of the challenges industry is currently facing.
Please help us help you, by taking the time to fill in this short set of questions about the commercial challenges you are or will be facing.
At the same time Build UK has updated its payment performance table in line with the latest results published under the Duty to Report on Payment Practices and Performance, which show that standards of payment performance have been upheld during extremely challenging circumstances. Build UK Contractor members have maintained an average of 36 days to pay invoices in the first half of the year. On average, they now pay 92% of their invoices within 60 days and 75% within terms.
In response to feedback, Build UK’s table has been expanded with more than 40 of the industry’s largest companies, including clients, housebuilders and contractors, to provide a more coherent picture of payment practices within construction than ever before.
Thousands of smaller businesses in England are set to benefit from £20 million of new government funding to help them recover from the effects of the coronavirus pandemic, the Minister for Regional Growth and Local Government has today (30 July 2020) announced.
Small and medium sized businesses will have access to grants of between £1,000 – £5,000 to help them access new technology and other equipment as well as professional, legal, financial or other advice to help them get back on track.
It comes on top of an unprecedented package of Government support to help businesses to recover, including the £2 billion Kickstart Scheme which will create hundreds of thousands of new, fully subsidised jobs for young people across the country, as well as £1.6 billion invested in scaling up employment support schemes, training and apprenticeships to help people looking for a job.
Minister for Regional Growth and Local Government, Simon Clarke MP said:
We have always said that we would stand behind our businesses and communities as we rebuild following the coronavirus pandemic. This new funding does exactly that.
Businesses will be able to use these new grants to pay for the expertise, equipment and technology they need to adapt, recover and rebuild.
Small and medium sized businesses are the beating heart of communities; they provide employment and contribute significantly to local economies and we are determined to give them the support they need to continue to thrive.
Today’s announcement builds on a £10 million package announced by the Minister earlier this month to help to kickstart the tourism industry and support the visitor economy.
The support will be fully funded by the government from the England European Regional Development Fund and distributed through Growth Hubs, embedded in local areas across England.
Further information
The support will be fully funded by the Government with no obligation for businesses to contribute financially.
The funding being provided to businesses is supported by the England European Regional Development Fund as part of the European Structural and Investment Funds Growth Programme 2014-2020. The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government is the Managing Authority for the European Regional Development Fund in England. For more information visit (https://www.gov.uk/guidance/england-2014-to-2020-european-structural-and-investment-funds)
The funding has been allocated to Growth Hubs within each LEP area in line with the current ERDF Programme.
To establish a viable grant programme, Government have set a minimum of £250,000 for all LEP areas. The allocation of resources will be reviewed as the grant fund is delivered.
Growth Hubs work across the country with local and national, public and private sector partners – such as Chambers of Commerce, FSB, universities, Enterprise Zones and banks, co-ordinating local business support and connecting businesses to the right help for their needs. They are locally driven, locally owned and at the heart of the government’s plan to ensure business support is simpler, more joined up and easier to access.
Activities supported through the £20 million can include:
One-to-many events providing guidance to respond to coronavirus,
Grants (£1,000 – £5,000) to help businesses access specialist professional advice such as HR, accountants, legal, financial, IT and digital, and to purchase minor equipment to adapt or adopt new technology in order to continue to deliver business activity or diversify.
Changes to Use Classes Order‐ From 1 September 2020, a number of existing uses will be condensed into a single commercial, business and service use, which means that planning permission will not be required for changing use going forward. There are a list of exemptions, including pubs, bars, nightclubs and take‐away food establishments, which will continue to require planning permission.
A new permitted development right ‐ From 31 August 2020, commercial buildings will be able to be replaced with residential buildings using a streamlined prior approval process, rather than a full planning application. There will be a number of qualifications, including a vacancy test of six months, a size limitation of 1,000 square metres, and a height limit of 18 metres.
Affordable Homes Guarantee Scheme ‐ A new £3 billion scheme will increase investment in providers of affordable housing and support the delivery of a significant number of new affordable homes. The contract for a delivery partner to operate the scheme should be awarded over the coming weeks and the scheme will be open for business by the end of the year.
The Government has also published guidance on extending construction working hours introduced in the Business and Planning Act. Companies are now able to request extended and flexible site working hours through a fast‐track application process, with Local Authorities having 14 calendar days to make a decision otherwise the revised working hours will be deemed to have been consented to.
The Chancellor has launched this week the 2020 Comprehensive Spending Review, which will set out the Government’s spending plans for the current parliament when it is published in the autumn. Due to the current uncertainty, the Chancellor has not fixed a set spending amount but confirmed that departmental spending will grow in real terms across the period.
Responding to the changes, FIS CEO, Iain McIlwee stated “these are all logical steps that should help to unlock a bit more work and right now it is all about marginal gain. I hope that this philosophy is taken into the Spending Review, it is easy to look for headlines in “big ticket items” and landmark announcements, but the devil is always in the detail. The Construction Leadership Council recognises this and is looking at the key markets and what can be done, we are glad to be supporting this work. Accelerating Government Spending, clearing the bottle-necks and removing red tape, looking at tax incentives (such as the Structural Building Allowance and Annual Investment Allowance) and availability of credit are all critical, but to protect jobs, drive productivity and encourage innovation it is not just about volume and investment, it is about sensible investment and supporting the supply chain. Earlier engagement is key to this, for years we have banged on about pipeline, but the benefit of this never cascades into the supply chain enabling the myriad of SME’s, that actually do the work to plan workforces, raise credit and invest in innovation against a predictable order book. The market is always driven by confidence and to protect jobs, encourage innovation and improve the skills and productivity of our workforce, we need any certainty to cascade rapidly through the supply chain.”
As Scotland’s building sector continues its recovery, the CICV Forum (supported by FIS) has issued a raft of new health and safety guidance to help steer workers through the phased return.
Seven new pieces of open source collateral have been released, offering in-depth industry advice on topics including face coverings, hand washing, domestic working and what to do if there is a case of COVID-19.
In addition, the Forum has updated the comprehensive 42-page document, COVID-19 Construction Operating Guidance, which underpins the Safe Operating Guidance produced by Construction Scotland, Scottish Government and the wider industry.
Rebecca Crosland, Health and Safety Adviser at the Building Engineering Services Association (BESA), a leading member of the Forum, said: “This new collateral is another important step in protecting both our workforce and the Scottish public as we all work together to minimise the spread of infection.
“The Forum’s Health and Safety sub-group has worked collaboratively to produce clear and practical guidance that is easy to follow and which can be used immediately by businesses of all sizes to help in their ongoing return.”
The seven new guidance documents are available to download below and cover:
Advice for businesses carrying out non-essential domestic work
Health and safety checklist before work is carried out
Effective use of face coverings
Good hygiene and hand washing
A questionnaire for clients before site visits
What to do if someone displays symptoms of COVID-19
Template letter for confirmed cases of COVID-19
In addition, the COVID-19 Construction Operating Guidance has been updated to reflect the latest developments on face coverings, physical distancing, travel and prevention of cross-contamination, with all new content clearly signposted.
The latest documents were compiled by members of the Forum’s Health & Safety sub-group – Pete Walker, Director of Health, Safety and Training at the British Constructional Steelwork Association, Craig Hartley, Head of Health, Safety and Improvement at Hugh LS McConnell, Jim Cornwall, Technical and Safety Adviser at SELECT and Martyn Raine, Technical and Skills Manager at SNIPEF.
Martyn said: “As the construction industry move to the next stage of the phased return, it’s vital that everyone works together to continue the excellent work done so far.
“Health and safety will be vital in the weeks and months ahead, and it’s paramount that we don’t compromise ourselves or our customers at this crucial time.
“The sector is relieved to be returning at last, but workers everywhere must be aware that there can be no let-up in health and safety awareness.”
Pete added: “This is yet another important demonstration of how the CICV Forum has the best interests of the construction at its heart.
“It’s up to everyone to use this clear and concise guidance to make sure that we operate in accordance with the highest possible standards. I know it will be welcomed by those constructors who continue to help rebuild Scotland responsibly and safely.”
It also reinforces the Forum’s reputation for proactive innovation, which has seen it at the forefront of clear and concise information distribution throughout the COVID-19 crisis.
As new mandatory requirements come in, Government has provided a summary of Face Covering requirements. FIS has been advised that Site Operating Procedures do not need to change, but we urge members to review their requirements against our guidance and to consider how you will be informing and equipping your workforce.
Indoor transport hubs (airports, rail and tram stations and terminals, maritime ports and terminals, bus and coach stations and terminals)
Shops and supermarkets (places which are open to the public and that wholly or mainly offer goods or services for retail sale or hire)
Indoor shopping centres
Banks, building societies, and post offices (including credit unions, short-term loan providers, savings clubs and money service businesses)
You are expected to wear a face covering immediately before entering any of these settings and must keep it on until you leave. It has been confirmed that this means face coverings are required for customers in showrooms and builders merchants.
You are also strongly encouraged to wear a face covering in other enclosed public spaces where social distancing may be difficult and where you come into contact with people you do not normally meet.
Individuals have been asked to assume that wearing a face covering is standard when visiting a hospital, GP, care home or other primary or community healthcare setting, but be prepared to accept that individual settings may have their own policies and require you to take other measures.
Where this law does not apply?
Indoor premises that sell goods or services but are not typically defined as a shop. Examples of this are restaurants with table service, bars, pubs, entertainment venues (such as cinemas or casinos), visitor attractions (such as heritage sites or museums), exercise and sports venues (such as gyms), and places that provide medical treatment (such as a dentist or optician).
Where a shop is within another premises which does not require a face covering (such as a museum or other visitor attraction) masks are required in the shop only. Check for signage upon entry and exit to know when this is the case.
So is it mandatory to wear face masks in offices and on construction sites?
No, The logic presented here is that masks are less important in places where you regularly see the same people and that contact tracing is well placed to deal with outbreaks in workplaces and schools where interactions can be traced.
When can you remove a face covering?
You can remove your face covering in order to eat and drink if reasonably necessary (see Section 3). This should be in an area that is specifically for the purposes of eating and drinking, such as a food court, unless no such area is available.
If a shop or supermarket has a café or seating area for you to eat and drink, then you can remove your face covering in this area only. You must put a face covering back on once you leave your seating area. If you are in a cafe or takeaway restaurant that does not provide table service, you must wear a face covering unless you are in a designated seated area.
Enforcement measures for failing to comply with this law?
Measures can be taken if people do not comply with this law without a valid exemption.
Shops, supermarkets and other premises where face coverings are required are encouraged to take reasonable steps to promote compliance with the law and could refuse entry to anyone who does not have a valid exemption.
Transport operators can deny access to their public transport services if a passenger is not wearing a face covering, or direct them to wear one or leave a service if they are not wearing a face covering.
If necessary, the police and Transport for London (TfL) officers have enforcement powers including issuing fines of £100 (halving to £50 if paid within 14 days).
The use of face coverings on public transport is mandatory.
It is strongly advised that you should think about using face coverings in particular circumstances – short periods in enclosed spaces where social distancing is not possible.
Crucially, do not get a false sense of security about the level of protection provided by wearing a face covering. It is essential that everyone continues to:
Practise social distancing as much as humanly possible
Wash their hands thoroughly throughout the day
‘Catch it, kill it, bin it’ when they sneeze or cough
That’s still the best way to protect yourself and others from COVID-19.
In enclosed spaces, where physical distancing is more difficult and where there is a risk of close contact with multiple people who are not members of your household, you should wear a face covering.
People must by law wear a face covering in shops and on public transport and public transport premises such as railway and bus stations and airports. This applies to open-air railway platforms, but not to bus stops.
There is no evidence to suggest there might be a benefit outdoors from wearing a face covering unless in a crowded situation.
Physical distancing, hand hygiene and respiratory hygiene are the most important and effective things we can all do to prevent the spread of coronavirus. The wearing of face coverings must not be used as an alternative to any of these other precautions.
The most effective way to protect yourself and others from infection is to follow social distancing rules, avoid touching surfaces and your face, and wash your hands regularly.
Face coverings are not a substitute for these measures, but in some circumstances where it might be difficult to stay 2m away from others, we are advising the use of three-layer, non-medical face coverings.
Face coverings should be made up of three layers as set out by the World Health Organisation but do not need to be medical-grade face masks.
According to Barbour ABI data, the total value of construction contract awards in June was £2.2 billion based on a three month rolling average.
Compared to May 2020, this is a decrease of 9.2% and is also 57.3% lower than June 2019 (see fig. 2.1). Data for Q2 2020 shows that total construction contract awards are valued at £9.2 billion. This is 51.3% lower than Q1 and also 40.5% lower than for Q2 2019. However, the raw monthly data for June is positive with value increasing by 98% compared with May.
In terms of contract award numbers, June 2020 was positive with 81.4% increase to 477 compared with just 263 in May. Whilst the three month average data is still influenced by the significant decrease in April, the raw monthly data and the increase in contract numbers in June are beginning to signal improving conditions.
Project by region
Regional analysis shows that London had the largest share of contract awards in June at 26.1%. The South East was in second place with attributable share of 16.4% of awards and was followed by the North West in third place with 13.6% of contract awards. Wales was again the smallest region with just 1.4% of awards (see fig. 2.3).
Three contract awards were vying for top award status in June and were all valued at £150 million. In Crawley, the Gatwick Airport Station refurbishment project will see Costain Group extend the existing concourse as well as provide extra platforms. This 36 month project is due to be completed in April 2023. In Manchester, the City View Development – Regent Plaza involves the building of 525 residential units in a 26 storey building. This 40 month project is due for completion in Q3 2023 and was awarded to Helix Contracting. Located in Milton Keynes the Santander New Tech Hub Campus is the new eight storey UK headquarters building for the bank. Awarded to John Sisk & Son the project is due for completion in Q1 2023.
Types of project
Attracting 33.9% of all construction contract awards the residential sector retained lead status in June. The second largest sector this month was infrastructure which accounted for an 18.7% share of awards.
Commercial & retail was the third largest sector in June accounting for 16.0% of awards. Apart from City View Development Regent Plaza, other notable residential awards this month included the former Lea Castle Hospital Development in the West Midlands valued at £60 million which will provide 600 units. Renewable energy generation featured heavily in infrastructure awards this month including the £75 million 75.5MW Aikengall 11a Wind Farm in the Scottish borders. Within the commercial & retail sector a notable mixed use project was the Tri Sail Towers development in Bishop Stortford valued at £19 million.
The report identifies that, in the commercial and retail sector, MACE and ISG were the leading way in terms of value of contract awarded, McAleer & Rushe Ltd and Willmott Dixon top the table for, Hotel, Leisure and Sport; Balfour Beatty and Integrated Health Projects were the most successful in the Medical and Health sector and Morgan Sindall and Kier for Education.
To see the full report and detailed analysis of the Residential, Commercial and Retail, Hotel, Leisure and Sport, Industrial, Medical and Health and Education Markets including details of key clients, architects and contractors click here.
The Professional Practice Task Group for the Construction Leadership Council (CLC) Covid-19 Task Force has today published a methodology for assessing and reporting the cost implications of disruption due to the pandemic. Construction clients and contractors rely on accurate cost prediction as the basis of business plans, financial contracts, and commercial control.
The unprecedented nature of the pandemic is affecting the progress and productivity of existing and future contracts, meaning that the information
upon which estimates are usually prepared no longer applies.
The Toolkit acts as a guide to enable better cost forecasting to assist the industry in making informed investment decisions on viability, improving robustness of pipeline and driving long term economic growth.
Commenting on today’s launch, Simon Rawlinson, Chair of the Professional Practice Task Group said:
“The Cost Assessment Toolkit will help the construction industry manage the impact of Covid-19 on existing and future contracts. It establishes a standard methodology to incorporate the cost impacts of the virus into estimates, provides clarity on exclusions and through the collection of industry wide data allows clients and supply chains to compare their project costs against an aggregated data set. By providing the tools to measure and therefore improve productivity, the toolkit acts as a guide to ascertain and assess project risks and establish viability for the long term.”
FIS CEO Iain McIlwee responded:
“This Toolkit could be one of the most valuable resources the CLC has produced through the COVID crisis. Our sector has been particularly hit by productivity concerns with work often being high, heavy or inside and sometimes all three! It is vital that we work together to understand this so that we can sensibly price and manage work and that we work together as a supply chain to find practical solutions to some of the potential contractual landmines out there. We are looking carefully at this Toolkit and what we can do as a sector to add further context and detail to ensure that it supports the cultural improvement much talked about, but desperately needed in construction”.
