by Clair Mooney | 22 Aug, 2024 | Main News Feed
CITB’s New Entrant Support Team (NEST) recently hosted a webinar discussing Support for Apprenticeship.
Members can access a recording of this webinar here.
This webinar explains the support and resources available from the NEST team and how they can support, covering:
- Understand apprenticeship funding and requirements
- Recruit apprentices in a way which is simplified and accessible
- Retain apprentices by supporting them with on-programme interventions and mentoring training
- Understand the CITB grants and how employers can benefit
by Oscar Venus | 9 Aug, 2024 | Main News Feed
Following the release of the first JCT 2024 contracts, which include a number of changes in response to our recommendation on contract terms, Build UK has updated its guidance on implementing the recommendation when using JCT contracts. The changes, which will help to support a fairer allocation of risk through the supply chain, include:
- Fitness for Purpose ‐ A new clause containing an express exclusion for fitness for purpose, making it clear that in undertaking the design, the contractor will have no duty beyond reasonable skill and care, and will not be subject to any fitness for purpose obligation in respect of its design
- Unquantifiable Risks ‐ The range of events giving rise to an extension of time and/or loss and expense has been extended to include asbestos, contaminated material and unexploded ordnance, in addition to antiquities, allowing the parties to agree a share of the risk in the event of such conditions
- Uncapped Liabilities ‐ A new footnote highlighting that the parties may wish to agree a cap on liability, with model clauses now included in the Guide.
The business environment remains challenging, and our recommendation identifies six contract terms that should be avoided in order to promote collaboration and realise better project outcomes. The updated guidance is designed to help implement the recommendation by explaining why each term should be avoided and setting out ways to manage the underlying issues in a more collaborative way, with specific guidance for both JCT and NEC contracts.
BuildUK represent large contractors in the UK and they state that the recommendation is non‐binding and Build UK members are free to negotiate their own contractual terms.
Whilst this is the case FIS CEO Iain McIlwee stressed the importance of “not putting up with rubbish contracts” and encouraged members to report unreasonable contract terms to the FIS so that we can take them up with BuildUK and, if necessary the contractor in question on a collective level.
FIS Members can (and are encouraged) to report unreasonable and irresponsible contract clauses via our website here.
Further help on legal and contractual matters is available by calling the dedicated FIS Legal Helplines (supported by expert lawyers and quantity surveyors). This helpline is available during office hours Monday – Friday via 0121 707 0077.
A raft of legal advice, support and training is available via the FIS Contractual and Legal Toolkit. Here you will also find details of our subsidised contract review service and details of recommended training on legal and contractual matters.
Find out more about FIS campaign to support better contracting: The Responsible No here
FIS is supporting the Conflict Avoidance Coalition: Find out more about the coalition and signing the Pledge here
by Oscar Venus | 9 Aug, 2024 | Main News Feed
The latest results published under the Reporting on Payment Practices and Performance Regulations show that Build UK members have maintained their payment performance over the last six months. For the first time, BuildUK claim all tier one Contractor members are paying invoices within an average of 45 days, which will be the requirement for new Government contracts over £5 million from April 2025. On average, Build UK Contractor members now pay 96% of invoices in 60 days and none of them average less than 90%. Remember this relates to the volume of invoices paid.
FIS CEO Iain McIlwee said: “Whilst the headline is positive, we can’t let it distract us from the fact that our members are still finding getting paid a daily battle. I suspect when we start seeing the value and not the volume paid and disputed invoices in the reports we will start to see some different patterns. One thing we need to be doing is making sure as the new requirements come in that we compare them to what is happening on the ground to ensure that people are reporting accurately and fairly and not bending the rules.”
With new reporting requirements on the value of invoices paid and disputed invoices coming into force from 1 January 2025.
If you need help getting paid, visit the FIS Contractual Toolkit.
by Oscar Venus | 8 Aug, 2024 | Main News Feed
Before the summer recess of Parliament, the Home Secretary, the Rt Hon Yvette Cooper MP, published a Written Ministerial statement setting out the Government’s ambitions for the legal migration system, including new reforms which will link migration policy and visa controls and labour market policies. These consist of:
- The Migration Advisory Committee (MAC), Skills England, the Industrial Strategy Council, and the Labour Market Advisory Board will work together to support a coherent approach to skills, migration and labour market policy, engaging and working closely with the Devolved Governments;
- The Government will commission the MAC to review the reliance on international recruitment in key sectors, commencing with IT and engineering; and
- The Government will provide additional resources to the MAC to enable it to work more strategically to forecast future trends.
The Statement also confirms that the Government will keep some changes made earlier this year by the previous administration, including:
- Restricting most overseas students from bringing family members to the UK;
- Restricting the ability of care workers and senior care workers to bring dependants with them; and requiring all care providers sponsoring migrants in England to register with the Care Quality Commission;
- Increasing the general salary threshold for those arriving on Skilled Worker visas by 48% from £26,200 to £38,700;
- Abolishing the 20% going rate discount so that employers can no longer pay migrants less than UK workers in shortage occupations; and
- Introducing measures announced on 23 May to reduce the potential for abuse on the student and graduate visa routes, working closely with the Department for Education to ensure the measures are effective.
Finally, the statement explains the need to balance respect for family life with the economic wellbeing of the UK. The Government will commission the MAC to review the financial requirements in the Family Immigration Rules, keeping the minimum income requirement in the Spouse/Partner route at £29,000 until the review is complete.
The following may also be of interest:
On 30 July, the Immigration Minister, Seema Malhotra MP published Written Ministerial Statement on Afghan Resettlement:
Written statements – Written questions, answers and statements – UK Parliament.
- This Government is implementing the commitment that families who were separated by the military evacuation from Kabul in August 2021 can be reunited in the UK.
- Afghan Citizens Resettlement Scheme Pathway 1 Stage 2: Separated Families opened on Tuesday 30 July. The window to submit an expression of interest will remain open for 3 months until 30 October 2024.
On 29 July, the Immigration Minister published a Written Ministerial statement on the European Entry/Exit System (EES)
Written statements – Written questions, answers and statements – UK Parliament
- The UK Government is working to maintain border fluidity with the European Union throughout the implementation of the new Entry/Exit System, ensuring UK nationals and residents can continue to access European destinations effectively and efficiently.
- Provides an update on the immediate steps being taken to improve preparations and levels of readiness.
FIS is working with the Construction Leadership Council to ensure that the Government understands the impact of current policy on the construction sector (more here) and has advice on employing migrant workers in our employment hub here.
To help members recruit overseas skilled workers to fill the skills gaps being experienced in the industry which is inhibiting growth, FIS has partnered with specialist immigration lawyers, Migrate UK to help members to explore whether hiring overseas skilled workers is a viable route for them Find out more here
by Oscar Venus | 8 Aug, 2024 | Main News Feed
If you are considering hiring an Apprentice or New Entrant and are CITB registered and levy-compliant, the CITB New Entrant Support Team is ready to assist you every step of the way. Here is how they can support you:
- Recruitment
- CITB Funding
- Administration (including setting up your Government Digital Account for accessing additional Grants)
- Retention
For more information, reach out to marieflinter@thefis.org to receive links for the upcoming Webinars:
- August 16 – 0930/1030
- August 21 – 1600/1700
- August 27 – 1600/1700
These webinars aim to provide valuable insights on optimising the advantages of hiring apprentices and new entrants. Industry experts will share recruitment best practices, how to navigate CITB funding opportunities, and effective retention strategies. They will also offer guidance on managing administrative tasks efficiently, allowing you to concentrate on developing your workforce.
Whether you are new to the process or want to improve your current approach, these webinars offer a great opportunity to learn and network with industry peers. Seize the chance to streamline your operations and make the most of the available support.
To secure your spot, contact Marie Flinter via the email provided. Let’s work together to build a more robust and skilled workforce for the future.
by Clair Mooney | 8 Aug, 2024 | Main News Feed, Skills
As construction output is expected to grow the finishes and Interiors sector needs to recruit new entrants so that it can keep working. The STEM Ambassador Programme is partnered with the Construction Industry Training Board (CITB) to facilitate the Go Construct Construction STEM Ambassador scheme. Through this collaboration, they aim to showcase the amazing career opportunities in construction and inspire young people to work in the industry.
Go Construct STEM Ambassadors act as the face of the industry for young people, inspiring them to consider a career in construction and the built environment through sharing their experiences and promoting opportunities. The commitment is to be involved in at least two activities per year. Ambassadors lead a wide range of activities, including:
- Running a trade stand at a careers fair, answering questions and handing out leaflets.
- Delivering a talk, sharing your experiences of getting into and working in the industry.
- Leading practical sessions or workshops, giving young people a taste of life in construction.
- Providing one-to-one mentorship to someone who is just starting out.
- Network with like-minded professionals, developing your own career as an ambassador.
Not only is becoming a Go Construct STEM Ambassador a great way to develop your employability skills and become a part of a community, through activities you will be helping to inspire the next generation of construction workers and change perceptions about the industry and the Finishes and Interiors Sector.
Please contact Marie Flinter a call on 0121 707 0077 or 07799 903103 or email marieflinter@thefis.org for more information and to join the upcoming webinars.
- Tuesday 20 August – 12:00/13:00
- Tuesday 17 September – 10:00/11:00
If you are already a registered STEM Ambassador working in the finishes and interiors sector, please let Marie know.
