Collaborative Reporting for Safer Structures UK (CROSS) has published two new reports highlighting implementation failures associated with internal passive fire protection elements. The reports provide valuable insight into how fire safety measures can be compromised on site, often through overlooked, misunderstood, or novel points of failure.

The publications focus on:

• The use of self-drilling screws in the installation of fire dampers
• Fire compartmentation and structural integrity concerns

Both reports include expert panel commentary and are designed to help professionals across the built environment learn from real-world issues and improve future practice. FIS encourages members to review the findings carefully and consider how the lessons apply to their own projects.

CROSS operates as a confidential reporting system, enabling individuals working in the built environment to report fire and structural safety concerns anonymously. The aim is to share lessons learned, drive positive change, and raise safety standards across the industry.

FIS members are welcome to submit reports directly to CROSS. Alternatively, members who wish to discuss concerns in confidence, or who are unsure how to act, are encouraged to contact the FIS technical team for guidance and support.

Read the full reports:

• Use of self-drilling screws in the installation of fire dampers | CROSS
• Fire compartmentation and structural integrity concerns | CROSS

FIS maintains a list of critical safety alerts from CROSS and issued directly through FIS that are relevant to our community through our Building Safety Toolkit here.

Citation has shared an important legal update for employers following confirmation that the Employment Rights Bill has now passed through Parliament and becomes law on 18 December, formally enacted as the Employment Rights Act.

The Act represents the most significant overhaul of employment law in Britain in over 30 years (excluding Northern Ireland). While the legislation is now in force, the majority of changes will be introduced in phases from April 2026 through to 2027, following a series of government consultations and secondary legislation.

A Brief Overview

Originally introduced as a 158-page Bill, the legislation expanded to more than 330 pages during its passage through Parliament, proposing over 30 employment law reforms. Following extensive debate between the House of Commons and House of Lords, a final agreed version was approved this week.

Although the Act is now law, its provisions will not take effect immediately. The Government is running at least 26 consultations to finalise how employers will need to comply, with implementation staggered over the next two years.

Key Areas Employers Should Be Aware Of

Citation has highlighted three areas that are likely to have the most direct impact on employers’ costs and day-to-day operations.

Statutory Sick Pay – Changes from April 2026

The current three waiting days for Statutory Sick Pay (SSP) will be removed, meaning SSP will become payable from day one of sickness absence. In addition, the Lower Earnings Limit will be abolished, extending SSP entitlement to lower-paid workers.

Employers may need to budget for increased sickness costs and ensure absence management procedures are robust and consistently applied.

Unfair Dismissal – Reduced Qualifying Period from January 2027

The qualifying period to bring an ordinary unfair dismissal claim will reduce from two years to six months. The Government has indicated this will take effect from 1 January 2027, applying retrospectively to employees who reach six months’ service by that date.

This change places greater emphasis on recruitment decisions, probation management, performance documentation and manager training.

Expanded Duties to Prevent Harassment – From October 2026

Employers will become liable for harassment of employees by third parties, such as customers or suppliers, unless they can demonstrate that all reasonable steps were taken to prevent it. This duty will apply to all protected characteristics, not just sexual harassment.

Employers will need to actively assess risk, implement preventative measures and ensure policies are embedded in practice.

Indicative Implementation Timeline

Based on current Government commitments, key changes include:

April 2026

• Day one SSP entitlement
• Day one paternity leave and unpaid parental leave
• Establishment of the Fair Work Agency
• Increased whistleblowing protections
• Collective redundancy protective award extended

October 2026

Duty to prevent harassment (including by third parties)

Fire and rehire reforms

Extended tribunal time limits

Trade union access and recognition changes

January 2027 onwards

• Six-month unfair dismissal qualifying period
• Zero-hours contract reforms
• Enhanced protections for pregnant workers
• Flexible working and bereavement leave reforms
• Regulation of umbrella companies

Further Support

Citation has confirmed it will continue to support employers through the transition period with detailed guidance, webinars and practical advice as further clarity emerges.

FIS is sharing this update to ensure members are aware of the forthcoming changes and can begin early planning where appropriate.

For further information or tailored advice, members may wish to contact Citation directly or seek professional HR and legal guidance.

New findings published in Knowledge Share 001 by the Passive Fire Knowledge Group (PFKG) highlight a persistent challenge across construction projects: inadequate coordination of MEP services within compartment walls during the early design stages.

The PFKG report identifies that poor consideration of service positioning, separation distances and opening sizes often makes it difficult to install tested or certified penetration sealing systems later in the project. This can result in compliance risks, redesign, costly remedial works and delays during construction.

Recommendation: Improved Modelling and Early Coordination

To address this issue, the PFKG recommends the development of a modelling guide to support better MEP design coordination and architectural space planning. Early alignment between designers and specialists can ensure that services are correctly positioned and separated, and that openings are appropriately sized to allow compliant passive fire protection solutions to be installed.

New Early Design Guidance in Development

Building on this recommendation, the PFKG has partnered with the Association for Specialist Fire Protection (ASFP) to develop practical early design guidance that directly addresses these challenges.

The work is well advanced, and publication of the new guidance by the ASFP is expected early next year. The guidance will support designers, specifiers and contractors in delivering compliant, buildable solutions while helping to reduce risk and avoid unnecessary cost.

FIS maintains a list of critical safety alerts from CROSS, PFKG and issued directly through FIS that are relevant to our community through our Building Safety Toolkit here.

This week the Government announced that the Single Construction Regulator (SCR) Prospectus has now been published. This marks a significant milestone in the Government’s commitment to long-term reform of the built environment, following the Grenfell Tower Inquiry’s recommendations.  The prospectus sets out our vision for a coherent, accountable regulatory system that prioritises safety, quality, and trust across buildings, products, and professions. It outlines how a new regulator will consolidate oversight functions, reduce fragmentation, and drive cultural change across the sector.

 You can read the full prospectus here:  Single construction regulator prospectus – GOV.UK

 As part of this wider programme, the Government has also published the Fire Engineers Authoritative Statement and the accompanying Next Steps document. These publications set out the principles that will guide reform of the fire engineering profession, including steps towards a more coherent, accountable, and regulated professional landscape.  This work responds directly to Recommendation 17 of the Grenfell Tower Inquiry and will sit alongside the broader professions strategy to ensure consistency and alignment across all disciplines.

 You can read the fire engineering publications here:  Fire engineering profession reform – GOV.UK

 Government remain committed to implementing the Grenfell Inquiry recommendations and this week FIS (supported by members have been attending Round Tables looking at Mandatory Licencing of Contractors and looking at the role of Principal Designer.   In this work Government are developing a new professions strategy, supported by a stronger regulatory framework. The aim is to raise standards of competence and accountability but also tackle the systemic barriers that have long held back progress across the sector.

 FIS will continue to work with the Regulator to support the development of a comprehensive strategy for the built environment professions that will:

• Take a holistic view of regulation, competence, and culture across all those operating in the built environment sector.
• Introduce a clear unified strategy for regulatory and non-regulatory reform at a government, industry, and individual level. This will be designed to increase capacity, skills, and investment in the workforce.
• Work in tandem with parallel reforms to building regulations and construction products to improve building safety quality and productivity.
• Establish a new system of regulatory oversight and enforcement, with a centralised oversight function built on clear, coherent standards and outcomes.
• Simplify the current patchwork of professional regulation.

 Next Steps & Engagement

• Government will be launching a Call for Evidence in Spring 2026
• This will lead towards a Professions Strategy Publication in Spring 2027

FIS was proud to support SkillBuild 2025, the UK’s largest multi-trade skills competition, which once again brought together an impressive pool of talented and motivated individuals from across the country. The event celebrates the very best emerging professionals in construction and highlights the vital role skills competitions play in shaping the future of our industry.

SkillBuild continues to be a catalyst for developing new talent, inspiring career pathways, and showcasing the high standards of craftsmanship across the built environment. The passion, dedication and potential demonstrated by competitors this year was exceptional, and a positive reflection of the next generation entering our sector.

FIS was delighted to be part of a programme that not only recognises excellence but also strengthens the industry’s commitment to skills development and future workforce growth.

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has opened a consultation on proposed changes to strengthen the Control of Asbestos Regulations and update guidance on asbestos management.

The consultation aims to improve clarity, consistency and safety across the industry, with proposed updates including:

• Clearer definitions of what constitutes work with asbestos, helping duty holders better understand their legal responsibilities.
• Measures to ensure independence and impartiality in roles responsible for clearing asbestos, reducing the risk of exposure during and after remediation.
• Improvements to supporting guidance to aid compliance and raise standards of asbestos management.

HSE is seeking views from contractors, building owners, employers, and others working with or managing asbestos in buildings.

Consultation deadline: Friday 9 January

FIS encourages members to read the proposals and submit feedback to help shape the future of asbestos regulation.

The British Standards Institution (BSI) has released a new free standard, BS 30417, offering practical guidance on how to ensure Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is inclusive, appropriate, and effective for a diverse workforce.

As the construction and fit-out sector continues to improve safety culture and tackle barriers to recruitment and retention, the publication of BS 30417 provides employers with clear, actionable recommendations on:

• Selection and procurement of inclusive PPE
• Fit testing and adjustment to ensure proper protection
• Training and information to support correct use

The standard is designed to help organisations meet their responsibilities under health and safety, equality, and employment legislation, ensuring that PPE works effectively for all individuals regardless of size, shape, gender or specific needs.

BS 30417 is available to download free of charge, providing an accessible resource for employers looking to improve workplace safety and inclusivity.

FIS encourages members to review the guidance and consider how it can be applied within their own operations.

Draft regulations have been laid before Parliament confirming that the functions of the Building Safety Regulator (BSR) will be transferred from the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) to a new executive non-departmental public body, sponsored by the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG), from 27 January 2026.

The new body will retain all current powers, staff and live cases managed within the HSE’s Building Safety Division, ensuring continuity while establishing the framework for a long-term, standalone regulator.

New Board Structure

The legislation sets out a new governance model, including:

• A Chair and three to eight board members
• Committees covering building control, industry competence, and residents’ views

This marks the first phase in the Government’s ambition to create a single construction regulator, as recommended in the Grenfell Tower Inquiry’s final report.

Licensing Scheme for Principal Contractors

Another key Inquiry recommendation is the introduction of a licensing scheme for Principal Contractors working on Higher-Risk Buildings (HRBs).

Build UK recently hosted a roundtable with MHCLG to explore how such a scheme could operate in practice.

There was strong support for a system that builds on existing requirements, including the Common Assessment Standard. MHCLG is expected to consult on licensing proposals in autumn 2026.

Progress on Remediation

MHCLG has also published new data on remediation across residential buildings 11 metres and over in England, up to September 2025:

• 35% of the 5,558 identified buildings have now completed remediation
• A further 13% have work underway

The new Remediation Bill, currently progressing through Parliament, will require landlords of buildings 18 metres and over to complete remediation by the end of 2029.

Progress continues on buildings with unsafe ACM cladding, with 91% now fully remediated.

Empire Square: Expanding the Scope of Contribution Orders

Supreme Court in URS v BDW: 30-Year Limitation

The Supreme Court’s decision in URS v BDW Trading Ltd compounds this risk by confirming that the BSA’s extended limitation period—up to 30 years for historic defects—applies to negligence and contribution claims. Contractors who believed liability had expired under the previous six- or twelve-year limitation now face a dramatically longer exposure window.

Practical Implications for Contractors

1. Contractual Risk Transfer: Expect developers to invoke indemnities and warranties aggressively. Contractors should review historic contracts and assess exposure.
2. Record-Keeping: Detailed project records from decades ago could be critical in defending claims. Contractors should audit archives and establish retrieval protocols.
3. Future Contract Drafting: New projects should include clear liability caps and dispute resolution mechanisms to mitigate long-tail risk.

“We are now working with a number of contractors where parties are seeking compensation for legacy works, some of it as long as 14 years ago. We have constantly repeated the message that Record Keeping is essential and this is certainly coming to bare for some.  All contractors whether main or specialist should have a strategy in place to deal with legacy claims and this factsheet provides a good base for this.  Remember you are not alone, we are here to help and help we can – the earlier you contact us the better and ideally before you have responded.”