by Nicky Smith | Nov 17, 2016 | Main News Feed
Members are reminded that back in May this year, Build UK released two new industry standards, The Safety Helmet Colours and Training Standard.
The Safety Helmet Colours standard uses simple colour coding to identify on-site personnel and provides a clear and consistent approach to improve communication and safety across construction projects. Site supervisors will wear black hard hats with slingers and signallers in orange, site managers in white and most workers in blue.
For more information, visit Build UK’s website.
by Nicky Smith | Nov 17, 2016 | Main News Feed
On 16 November, we attended the IET Innovation Awards in London. Along with 3D Repo and Balfour Beatty, we had been shortlisted in the Information Technology category for BID4Free.
Bid4Free is an open source online 3D platform for the construction industry where subcontractors can tender for projects at no additional cost.
Unfortunately, we weren’t crowned winners on this occasion but were very happy with a ‘Highly Commended’.
by Nicky Smith | Nov 17, 2016 | Main News Feed
The BIM Forum has released the 2016 version of its Level of Development (LOD) Specification. This is a reference guide that enables practitioners in the AEC Industry to specify and articulate with a high level of clarity, the content and reliability of Building Information Models (BIMs) at various stages in the design and construction process. Follow the BIM Forum website link on the right to download your free copy.
by Nicky Smith | Nov 16, 2016 | Main News Feed
The People’s Pension can help FIS Members understand automatic enrolment workplace pensions. They have UK-based people ready to help – over the phone, by email or via webchat. Their online help centre is full of useful guides, videos and handy checklists.
Your business can’t afford to ignore ‘automatic’ enrolment as it does require some of your input to keep within the law. We have added a helpful document within the employment section on our Knowledge Hub here.
by Nicky Smith | Nov 16, 2016 | Main News Feed
One of the most significant rulings in employment law history came about at the end of last month, when the cab-hailing firm Uber lost a landmark tribunal decision over drivers’ working rights. The tribunal found that as the drivers worked regularly for and were subject to the terms of the firm, that they were not genuinely self-employed, and therefore should be given workers’ rights – such as holiday pay, pensions, and so on.
With Uber set to appeal, the ruling is not yet set in stone. However, it is worth noting at this stage that this could have ramifications for companies in the construction industry who use the same CIS workers on a regular basis, as the same logic could be applied.
FIS will be keeping a close eye on developments and the possible implications for our sector. We will also be responding to the Taylor Review which will look at workers’ rights following the growth of the ‘gig economy’, as this may also impact our sector.
by Nicky Smith | Nov 10, 2016 | Main News Feed
On Monday 7 November, the annual Plaisterers’ Training Awards took place in London. The awards recognise the highest standards of achievement in training and education within the UK plastering trade.
We are delighted to hear that one of our approved training providers, Now Get Qualified Ltd, won the British Gypsum Trophy. This is judged on the best combined results gained by an independent training provider at NVQ Level 2 and Diploma in drylining.
Now Get Qualified Ltd are approved by FIS as a training provider and their vast selection of courses covering NVQ Level 2 to 6 can be viewed and booked on FIS CourseSight: https://www.thefis.org/skills-hub/training/courses-index/
