by Iain McIlwee | 25 Mar, 2021 | Labour, Main News Feed
To support ongoing engagement with the Home Office and the wider sector FIS is tracking the impact of changes to the labour market.
FIS has repeatedly raised concerns that interior systems installers (dryliners, ceiling fixers, partitions installers etc) have not been included as an eligible occupation for the skilled worker route in the new UK Points Based Immigration System and that no construction workers have been included on the shortage occupation list. This omission means that from the 1st July, if an EU worker (excluding Ireland) has not applied to work in the UK through the Settlement Scheme, they will not be eligible to work.
Across the sector, at the start of 2020, it is estimated that the workforce relied on some 40% of trade operatives from the EU. As a consequence of these changes, the annual recruitment target for UK national has doubled, putting huge strain on the training infrastructure (particularly against the background of COVID-19) and for every 5% of EU workers that opt not to return to work in the UK or continue working in the the UK beyond the 1st July we see this target double again.
With reports of Labour Shortages already as things start to pick up in 2021, we are calling on companies in the sector to complete our short market survey.
by Clair Mooney | 24 Mar, 2021 | Main News Feed
CLC has set out its mid-term strategy, which provides more detail on:
- Vision and strategic priorities
- The CLC’s delivery plan
- How the CLC works
- How the industry can get involved
In particular, the strategy sets out one year and three year plans against our priority themes, focused particularly on Building Safety and the Race to Net Zero Carbon.
A summary of outline work plans for the CLC’s workstreams and highlights of recent industry engagement is also given in the strategy.
The strategy can be found here.
by Clair Mooney | 24 Mar, 2021 | Insurance, Main News Feed
CLC guidance on trade credit insurance during COVID-19 has been updated to reflect the latest financial information to provide brokers and underwriters.
The checklist has be refreshed to reflect current information requirements on financial performance.
Read the full guidance here.
by Clair Mooney | 23 Mar, 2021 | Main News Feed
Applications for the Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme, Coronavirus Large Business Interruption Loan Scheme and Bounce Back Loan Scheme will close on 31 March.
The new Recovery Loan Scheme offering Government‐backed loans of up to £10 million per business will launch on 6 April and remain open until 31 December.
by Clair Mooney | 23 Mar, 2021 | Main News Feed
Procurement Policy Note (PPN) 07/20 will come into force from 1 April, increasing the prompt payment threshold for suppliers bidding for Government contracts above £5 million per annum. Suppliers will be required to show that they pay 85% of invoices within 60 days and have an action plan in place to achieve the required standard of 95% in future, otherwise they risk being prevented from bidding. Currently a company can still pass if they pay 75% of invoices within 60 days and submit an action plan, and the Cabinet Office has been clear that the threshold ‘will be ratcheted up over time until it reaches 95%’.
Build UK continues to publish information on the payment performance of the industry’s largest companies, which includes the percentage of invoices paid within 60 days.
by Clair Mooney | 22 Mar, 2021 | Main News Feed
Updated advice on ventilation and air conditioning during the pandemic
HSE has updated and expanded its advice to help employers provide adequate ventilation in their workplaces during the pandemic. This guidance builds on helping to identify and take action in poorly ventilated areas.It also provides guidance on other factors to consider when assessing the risk from aerosol transmission, and determining whether adequate ventilation is being provided to reduce this risk.
You should be maximising the fresh air in a space and this can be done by:
- natural ventilation
which relies on passive air flow through windows, doors and air vents that can be fully or partially opened
- mechanical ventilation
using fans and ducts to bring in fresh air from outside, or
- a combination of natural and mechanical ventilation, for example where mechanical ventilation relies on natural ventilation to maximise fresh air
Read the updated guidance and find out how you can provide adequate ventilation in your workplace, helping to protect workers and other people from transmission of coronavirus.
Updated advice on talking with your workers about preventing coronavirus
The law says you must consult with your workers about reducing risks from coronavirus in your workplace. HSE has updated its guidance to help you have conversations with your workforce about providing support and keeping control measures in place.
Talking to your workers means you can explain changes you’re making to keep the workplace COVID-secure and continue to run your business safely. It also gives workers the chance to:
- tell you if they’re worried about any workplace risks
- influence decisions about health and safety
HSE has converted this advice to web pages so it is easier for people to find the information they need and we have expanded the guidance to include more advice on:
- supporting higher-risk groups
- returning to the workplace
- ventilation and air conditioning
- stress, mental health and wellbeing
The updated guidance will help you keep in touch with workers and support them as restrictions are eased in the coming months.
