by Oscar Venus | 19 Apr, 2021 | Skills
On 1 April nearly
400 qualifications are available at Level 3 qualifications became free to access for over-24s without A-levels, an advanced technical diploma or equivalent. This is part of the Government’s Lifetime Skills Guarantee and includes over
60 construction‐related courses for qualifications in occupations like Occupational Work Supervision, Site Carpenter, painting and decorating and several others.
Around 11 million adults are eligible for the scheme, which is backed by £95 million in Government funding, and individuals can train part‐time, full time or online for up to 12 weeks depending on the course (or up to 16 weeks on a full‐time skills bootcamp) while continuing to receive Universal Credit.
You can find out more about free courses here.
George Swann, FIS Skills and Training Lead says, “If your workforce do not have qualifications with the introduction of the Building Safety Bill later this year this is definitely worth a look, to see if there is anything applicable to the roles you employ”.
by Oscar Venus | 16 Apr, 2021 | Building Safety Act, Market data, Transformation
FIS has written to the Welsh Government to formally support the CPA response to the Safer Buildings in Wales consultation and highlighted the confusion caused by Regulation 7 and challenges in building classification. On the whole the consultation sets out an achievable path for Welsh Regulations to embrace the fundamental elements of the Building Safety Bill that is expected to be passed into law before the summer recess.
The consultation focussed on 7 key areas.
- Setting out the scope of the Building Safety Regime
- The Building Safety Regime (Design and Construction Phase)
- The Building Safety Regime (Occupation phase)
- Residents: Roles and Responsibilities
- Raising Concerns
- Regulating the Building Safety Regime
- General Requirements in Relation to Fire Safety Equipment
FIS is particularly encouraged by the recognition of the importance of compartmentation and the emphasis outlined and the importance of managing interfaces. We were also able to highlight recent collaborative work in the production of the Fire Stopping of Service Penetrations Guide that can be referenced in future official guidance to support the avoidance of design and construction issues in this space and support one of the aims identified in the consultation in terms of “verifying that all works that breach compartmentation (eg holes drilled through walls) use appropriate and adequate fire-stopping”.
The full response from the CPA can be downloaded here
by Oscar Venus | 15 Apr, 2021 | Main News Feed
Companies that deferred VAT payments between 20 March and 30 June 2020 and have monies outstanding need to take action and join the VAT deferral new payment scheme by 21 June 2021. Those who do not join the scheme or settle the account before 30th June could be charged a 5 per cent penalty or interest on what they owe.
If businesses join by 21 April, they will pay their deferred VAT in 10 instalments, rather than nine or eight instalments if they wait until closer to the deadline. To join the scheme, a company must have:
- a Government Gateway account
- submitted any outstanding VAT returns from the last four years and corrected any errors on existing returns
- calculated how much it owes, including the amount originally deferred and how much has already been paid.
Companies must pay the first instalment upon joining the scheme and make subsequent payments via Direct Debit.
For more information on the VAT Deferral Payment Scheme, click here
You can access the FIS Business and Taxation Toolkit here
by Oscar Venus | 15 Apr, 2021 | Market data, Material Shortages
The CLC Product Availability Group has issued a
statement on the availability of construction products, which confirms that demand will remain high throughout 2021 and urges
‘all users [to] plan for increased demand and longer delays, keep open lines of communication with their suppliers and order early for future projects’. It highlights timber, steel, polymer supplies and coatings as materials of particular concern, with both timber and steel experiencing very strong global demand.
Build UK is working with the Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply (CIPS) to monitor the availability of construction materials post‐Brexit. There are no products currently RAG‐rated ‘red’, with most manufacturers reporting that the mitigation strategies they put in place have avoided significant delays or shortages, and they will continue to hold extra stock this quarter to ensure continuity of supply.
by Oscar Venus | 15 Apr, 2021 | Building Safety Act, Insurance, Main News Feed
If loading out a site and in wake of shortages and potentially taking larger orders of product than would ordinarily be the case, remember to check insurance implications and to survey the area carefully to ensure that any loading limitations on the floor/storage area are adhered to and have factored in risk to protect from environmental (cleanliness, humidity or temperature issues), stacking (adherence to storage instructions) or construction related damage. Also pay particular attention to safety factors that may arise if product is not stacked in accordance with manufacturers instructions and H&S best practice (e.g. leaning/stacking of boards). FIS Site Guides are free to download for members and include some helpful reminders on storage issues.
by Oscar Venus | 15 Apr, 2021 | Skills
How to become a Construction Ambassador: We are all aware of the difficulties of encouraging the next generation into one of the finishes and interiors sectors many careers. As an employer you no doubt feel concern when it’s time to recruit, by becoming a Construction Ambassador yourself or allowing members of your workforce to become Ambassadors it could remove some of those concerns and it does not need to take up a lot of your time. Construction Ambassadors play a vital role in promoting careers in the construction industry. These specially trained individuals:
- inspire others to consider a career in the industry and share what it’s actually like to work in construction
- very often provide the first introduction to the construction industry for young people who are considering their future career
- engage young people with the fantastic opportunities available in the industry, ambassadors can encourage the next generation of construction professionals.
Anyone working in the industry can be a construction ambassador. You just need to be passionate about construction and the built environment, and willing to share your experiences with others. Whether you’re a first year apprentice or a company director, STEM learning would love your support to help more people experience the varied opportunities in our sector. It’s easy to sign up, to become a STEM Construction Ambassador, register via the link below:
- Once registered you will need to re-visit your new STEM Ambassador profile to join the construction specific STEM scheme. Go to Profile > Skills & Qualifications > Edit and under the header ‘schemes participation’ search construction and select ‘Construction & Built Environment’ so that STEM Learning can continue to support you with the latest information and resources to enable you to inspire the next generation of potential entrants to the sector.
- When you reach the ‘scheme participation section’ select to participate in the ‘Construction and the built environment’ scheme and tick the box indicating you are happy for your details to be shared. Ticking this box is very important as it will allow STEM Learning to send you news about the latest Go Construct resources, opportunities, events and training.
- You’ll need to complete a free of charge Enhanced Disclosure Check as part of your registration process. Depending on whether you hold a DBS check (or the Scottish equivalent), it could take up to three weeks for this to be processed.
- When you’ve registered, you’ll need to complete some induction training and a safeguarding assessment. Your induction will explain how you can manage your own engagements and request resources via your personal STEM Learning dashboard.
- Once STEM Learning are satisfied with your Enhanced Disclosure Check you will be good to go and can start booking in events to attend as a construction ambassador. Register to be an Ambassador here
George Swann, FIS Skills and Training Lead says “this is an opportunity to show school leavers and their teachers that the finishes and interiors sector has many opportunities for long and fulfilling work careers”.
by Oscar Venus | 9 Apr, 2021 | Skills
From 1 April 2021, the Education and Skills Funding Agency (ESFA) will reset reservation levels for employers who do not pay the Apprenticeship Levy. This will enable employers to make up to 10 new reservations to fund new apprenticeship starts in the financial year 2021-22. ESFA will continue to monitor the number of reservations used by employers who do not pay the Apprenticeship Levy and will keep this under review.
Funds transferred from employers who pay the levy to other employers through the apprenticeship service are not included when measuring the number of reservations. Employers who do not pay the Apprenticeship Levy can reserve funds for training and assessment in the ‘finance’ section of their apprenticeship service account. They can also give training providers permission to do this on their behalf. Find out more
Employers can reserve funds up to 6 months in advance.
From 1 April 2021, we are extending the reservation period for employers who do not pay the Apprenticeship Levy from 3 to 6 months. This means that from 1 April, these employers will be able to reserve funds up to 6 months before an apprenticeship is planned to start. This will give employers greater flexibility when planning their apprenticeship programmes and reassure them that funding for apprenticeships is available for a longer period. Find out more
by Oscar Venus | 9 Apr, 2021 | Main News Feed, Technical, Transformation
Ahead of the next Digital Construction Working Group (28 April 10am), FIS has launched a new tool to help members to follow and understand the technologies that are shaping the present and future of construction.
Expressions like Industry 4.0’, the fourth industrial revolution, the Digital Revolution are bandied around and the Construction Playbook isolates the need to “develop new solutions including improved digital capabilities.” but what does the digitalisation of the finishes and interiors sector actually mean to projects and businesses in the supply chain?
FIS CEO Iain McIlwee commented “The Digital Spine was born at a Round Table we hosted with key experts from our sector. We looked at where digital is having influence and what is holding us back. A key concern was that behind all of these digital solutions is whole new language that we are struggling to get to grips with. The roundtable also isolated that the environment can be bewildering with solution not always matched to problem and real concerns over interoperability of all of the rapidly expanding range of tools at our disposal. Taking a step back we decided that the best way to help was to create the Digital Spine, a simple outline of the language behind the technology that is evolving to support the FIS community, but vitally also to contextualise tools against the core areas of business operation where they have the potential to support change. We are grateful to all the members who have supported the development to this point and encourage all users to bombard us with questions and omissions to support development from here”.
Mark Norton Group BIM Director, ISG added “The Digital Spine is great because it is simple and the key to innovation is to keep it simple and align it to genuine problems, not get caught-up in the technology. We recognise that this is a start and the tool will evolve with questions and as new innovation emerges. We’ll be reviewing at the Digital Construction Working Group on the 28 April and starting to look at where the biggest impact is and how we can ensure the FIS community is aware of opportunity, alert to the challenges and vitally too has influence in the way that some of these tools are emerging to support standardisation.”
The Digital Spine is available here.
You can reserve your place at the FIS Digital Construction Working Group here.
by Oscar Venus | 9 Apr, 2021 | Skills
Build UK, supported by CITB, joined forces with STEM Ambassadors last year to showcase careers in construction and help to attract talent. Build UK are delighted to see the commitment to recruit 7,000 Construction STEM Ambassadors included in the CLC’s Industry Skills Plan, and they encourage all Build UK members to sign up and volunteer their time and experience to inspire young people to join the industry. FIS are members of Build UK.
The CLC skills plan emphasises collaboration between industry and Government and prioritises action in four areas:
- Careers ‐ creating an industry that is attractive and inclusive, whilst supporting direct employment
- Standards and Qualifications ‐ modernising qualifications to boost transferrable skills and embed digital technologies
- Training, Education and Development ‐ developing high‐quality routes into the industry and strengthening links between further and higher education and employers
- Culture and Working Environment ‐ retaining talent in the industry through upskilling and improved career development.
Skills and Training Lead, George Swann says “Construction Stem Ambassadors are a great way of promoting the careers on offer in the finishes and interiors sector. These individuals often provide the first introduction to the construction industry for young people who are considering their future career.”
by Oscar Venus | 9 Apr, 2021 | Skills
This Summer 2021 Qualification Explainer Tool (ofqual.gov.uk) shows what’s happening with vocational, technical, and other general qualifications this year. Ofqual have identified it is not viable for some exams and assessments to take place this year due to the ongoing impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. Ofqual has been working with awarding organisations to ensure that as many learners as possible are able to receive a result this summer and progress with their plans to continue their education, go into the workplace, or further their career.
The explainer tool shows how qualifications will be assessed and awarded in the period up to 31 August 2021. It covers qualifications regulated by Ofqual, Qualifications Wales and CCEA Regulation (in England, Wales and Northern Ireland respectively). The information about how each qualification will be assessed and awarded, included in this ‘qualification explainer tool’, has been provided by awarding organisations. If you believe the information to be incorrect, please contact the relevant awarding organisation.
In addition to the information provided in this explainer tool, further details about the approaches awarding organisations are taking to the assessment and awarding of qualifications in 2021 can be found on their websites. If you are a learner outside England, Northern Ireland or Wales, you will need to check with your awarding organisation, or your college, training provider or school about the approach being taken for your qualification. More information is provided in the questions and answers.
by Oscar Venus | 9 Apr, 2021 | Skills
On 1 April nearly 400 Level 3 qualifications became free to access for over-24s without A-levels, an advanced technical diploma or equivalent. This is part of the Government’s Lifetime Skills Guarantee, and includes qualifications in construction trades like Occupational Work Supervision, Site Carpenter, painting and decorating and several others.
You can find out more about free courses here.
by Oscar Venus | 9 Apr, 2021 | Skills
This is another reminder to you that CITB’s consultation on the Levy Proposals 2022-25 closes on Sunday 11 April. CITB registered employers can have their say on the way they raise the Construction Industry Levy for the next three years, and give feedback on their plans for supporting construction recovery here.
FIS Skills and Training Lead, George Swann says “this is an opportunity to influence what is to come and you know what they say about not voting…if you didn’t vote you cannot complain. Let’s all vote so we all have grounds to complain”.
by Oscar Venus | 9 Apr, 2021 | Labour, Skills
In March FIS ran a snap survey to look at workforce trends in the wake of the new points based immigration system. The survey reports that 38% of companies are currently experiencing a labour shortage, with over 60% of contractors predicting shortages as work picks up over the summer. This number increases significantly when we look at the larger companies (those with greater than £5million turnover), here 59% are already experiencing shortages and 74% are predicting worse to come. Dryliners head the list of concerns followed by ceiling fixers, partitions installers, plasterers and carpenters and joiners.
The report shows that the UK finishes an interiors sector remains heavily reliant on EU workers with around half of all companies relying on EU workers for more than 20% of their workforce and 17% of firms reporting that EU workers account for more than 60% of their workforce.
The report also gives insight into employment and use of gangs and agencies in the sector. Across all contractors, 44% of the workforce is employed, 42% work as labour only sub contractors with gangs providing 11% of the contingent workforce and agency workers making up the final 3%. Again this shifts as we look to the larger (>£5m turnover) sector with employment accounting for 26% of the workforce, labour only sub-contractors 39%, gangs 30% and agency workers providing the final 5%.
Commenting on the numbers FIS CEO, Iain McIlwee stated:
“These numbers are cause for concern and we will keep our focus on supporting the rapid scale up in training infrastructure that is required to meet this seismic shift in the way we are going to need to recruit and manage our workforce going forward. We will also continue the dialogue with the Home Office to try and get some common sense applied to the process to ensure we can evolve effectively to the new world order dealing with real world problems rather than political concerns and waiting to see what the official data will tell us when the facts are staring us in the face.”
Read the full FIS Statement on Skills Shortages here
by Oscar Venus | 8 Apr, 2021 | Main News Feed
Following the news that two more construction directors have been disqualified for forming an illegal cartel, the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has issued an open reminder to the construction sector about its guidance on competition law and the significant risks of non‐compliance.
The case involved FP McCann Ltd, along with 2 other suppliers of pre-cast concrete drainage products – Stanton Bonna Concrete Ltd and CPM Group Ltd. This brings the total number of disqualified directors to 25 and follows rapidly from the announcement of three Directors being disqualified for links to a cartel in the rolled lead sector and similar issues identified in 2019 in the Fit-out sector.
The FIS Business/Taxation Toolkit includes additional advice and support for members on managing competition law requirements.
by Oscar Venus | 8 Apr, 2021 | Market data
The latest information from Builders’ Conference shows that both the number and value of contracts have increased month‐on‐month since the start of this year. One year on from the start of the coronavirus pandemic, there were 621 contracts worth a total of £9.2 billion awarded in March. It is the fourth month in a row where the value has exceeded the monthly average of £6.0 billion in the year prior to coronavirus between April 2019 and March 2020. 42% of all the contracts awarded by value were housing (£3.9 billion), with road projects making up 13% (£1.2 billion) and entertainment and leisure projects 6% (£751 million).
The number of tender opportunities increased compared to the previous month but remains 25% below the monthly average pre‐coronavirus.
by Oscar Venus | 8 Apr, 2021 | Main News Feed, Market data
The latest CLC People Survey is now live! Build UK is responsible for collating the results and we would be extremely grateful if all members could find 10 minutes to complete the online survey to help us measure the impact of coronavirus on the construction workforce one year on.
The deadline for responses is Friday 16 April and the results will help us to prioritise support for the sector.
by Oscar Venus | 8 Apr, 2021 | Insurance, Main News Feed
Since the Grenfell Tower fire, companies in the construction industry have found it increasingly difficult to secure appropriate and affordable Professional Indemnity (PI) insurance. A recent CLC survey found that average premium rates were nearly four times higher at last renewal compared to the year before, and almost a third of companies were unable to buy the cover they want or need. Over 60% of companies had some form of restriction on their cover relating to cladding or fire safety, with the result that a third were prevented from undertaking remediation work on unsafe cladding.
To help the industry, Build UK has published a guide to PI insurance which provides an overview of what it is, why it is needed, and how it can be obtained in the current market.
FIS is reviewing options and has established a working group to look at provision in the Finishes and Interiors Sector, if you want to find out more about this work, please email iainmcilwee@thefis.org of call Iain on 07792 959 481.
by Oscar Venus | 8 Apr, 2021 | Main News Feed
The Prime Minister confirmed earlier this week that further coronavirus restrictions will be lifted as planned from next Monday 12 April, after the data confirmed that the Government’s ‘four tests’ had been met. He also confirmed that regular testing will be an essential part of ‘reclaiming a more normal way of life’ and everyone in England will be encouraged to take a free COVID‐19 test twice a week from this Friday (9 April) as part of a nationwide testing programme which includes:
- A home ordering service, allowing people to order lateral flow tests online to be delivered to their home
- Workplace testing programmes, either on‐site or at home
- Community testing, offered by all local authorities
- A new ‘pharmacy collect’ service from participating local pharmacies.
Individuals taking lateral flow tests at home will have to register their results online and must self‐isolate if positive and get a PCR test to confirm the result.
Any members interested in offering workplace testing must register by Monday 12 April, and Build UK has produced a guide on how to set up and run a workplace test site.
by Oscar Venus | 18 Jan, 2021 | Skills
The Department for Education has launched ‘An Hour to Skill’ campaign which aims to encourage employers and the nation to set aside just one hour a week for online learning by taking a free course from The Skills Toolkit.
Although this is primarily focused on encouraging people to develop for their next step in career progression, employers may wish to take advantage by using these free courses to train existing employees. Statistics show 94% of employees stay at a company longer if there is investment in their individual career development. At the time of writing there are nearly 90 courses available.
These high-quality, online courses aim to enhance individuals’ job prospects, giving them easy access to skills that could unlock job opportunities in a competitive market, or help them get ahead in their current role. The Skills Toolkit features more than 70 courses designed by some of the nation’s leading businesses and educational institutions including Amazon Web Services, Cisco, FutureLearn, Lloyds Bank, LinkedIn Learning, Microsoft, The Open University and many more.
Learn about:
- practical maths
- computer essentials
- personal growth and wellbeing
- professional development
- business and finance
- digital design and marketing
- computer science and coding
The courses form part of the government’s Plan for Jobs, which aims to help boost the UK economy as it recovers from the impact of COVID-19.
FIS has created a dedicated resource to help companies within our sector source training. As well as our active network of Approved Training Providers, through the FIS you can access a range of Continual Professional Development (CPD) and eTraining to support development of people and demonstration of competence.
Visit The Skills Toolkit here
by Oscar Venus | 25 Sep, 2020 | Main News Feed
The results of the first industry‐wide People Survey, carried out by the Construction Leadership Council (CLC) in June and reported in Retaining Talent in Construction, helped to secure funding for the Construction Talent Retention Scheme. To understand the ongoing impact of the coronavirus pandemic on the construction workforce, the CLC has launched a second People Survey. Another great response from all sectors of the industry will help to prioritise the support required by construction employers between now and the end of the year.
Please complete the online survey which should take no longer than 10 minutes by Friday 2 October. The information provided will be confidential with no company details required.
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