by Clair Mooney | 15 Nov, 2018 | Main News Feed
FIS has added Fire Door Installation to its directory search, so if you install Fire Doors, let the office know so we can update your records.
35% of all FIS website visitors use the membership directory, so it’s important to check your company details and offering are up to date. Contact the office on 0121 707 0077 or email info@thefis.org to update your details.
by Clair Mooney | 15 Nov, 2018 | Main News Feed
FIS members are invited to attend Croner’s Employment Law and Health & Safety Seminars free to charge. Hear from expert speakers, who will share their insights into the employment law and health and safety trends that will affect your organisation in the near future. Seminars are being held on:
27 November from 10:00am to 3:00pm – Newcastle
7 December from 10:00am to 13:00pm – Bristol
13 December from 10:00am to 13:00pm – Hinckley
Register directly with Croner. Full details are available here..
by Clair Mooney | 12 Nov, 2018 | Main News Feed
A construction skills card fraudster has been jailed for more than three years following a police investigation which saw him charged under Section 9 of the Fraud Act 2006 for the production and sale of fake documents.
Online trader Andrew Weeks was caught following an investigation by Warwickshire County Council Trading Standards. During the investigation it was discovered that Mr Weeks was manufacturing construction industry skill cards at his printing firm (Nuneaton Print) and selling them via his website. Mr Weeks pleading guilty to the manufacture of fake documents and was sentenced on 19 October at Warwick Crown Court.
The investigation was supported with information from the Construction Industry Training Board (CITB) and a number of card schemes including the Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS).
Graham Wren, Chief Executive at CSCS said: “This is another example of the industry working together to tackle card fraud. CSCS will always support the authorities to identify and act against those attempting to deceive construction employers. This case also highlights the need for thorough card checks, ideally electronically, to ensure construction workers are who they say they are and have the correct qualifications for the job they do on site.”
Mr Weeks was also sued by CSCS for copyright infringement and ordered to pay damages of £6,000.
Ian Sidney, Fraud Manager at CITB said: “This sentence shows just how serious construction card fraud is and the lengths that CITB and the whole industry will go to in order to stamp it out. The use of fake cards could easily lead to accidents, injuries or even fatalities where contractors do not have the required skills, training or qualifications. Employers must remain vigilant when checking workers’ documentation and keep an eye out for any suspicious activity.”
What to do if you spot a fraudulent card
Employers are urged to conduct regular checks on cards. If you think you know someone using a fraudulent card you should:
- Retain the card if possible
- Make photocopies of front and back
- Record cardholder’s name and address
- Ask the cardholder where the card was obtained from
- Call the local police and report the matter
- Refuse access to site (subject to company rules)
- Forward copies of all evidence to CITB Quality Assurance Team, Building 16, Bircham Newton, King’s Lynn, PE31 6RH, marked ‘SUSPECTED FRAUDULENT CARD’ with details of the crime number given by local police.
- You can also email Report.it@citb.co.uk .
by Clair Mooney | 9 Nov, 2018 | Main News Feed
The construction industry experienced modest growth in the third quarter of 2018, following a weather-related boost to activity in Q2, according to the latest quarterly CPA survey of product manufacturers, contractors, civil engineers and SME builders.
Read the full details in this week’s CPA weekly notes.
by Clair Mooney | 6 Nov, 2018 | Main News Feed
The latest CPA Trade Survey shows that during Q3, 27% of product manufacturers, 25% of main contractors, 16% of SME builders and 10% of civil engineering firms reported an increase in activity. However, on balance, 80% of main contractors reported a rise in materials and labour costs, 90% of product manufacturers reported an increase in fuel costs and cost rises for civil engineering contractors reached a three-year high.
CPA Trade Survey October 2018
by Clair Mooney | 1 Nov, 2018 | Main News Feed
FIS will today (1 November) launch its 2019 sector-wide digital Training Needs Analysis (TNA).
We urge all FIS members to complete the TNA and submit by 21 February 2019. Submissions will provide evidence for the whitepaper on the overall skills need and workforce sustainability of our sector. All those completing the TNA will automatically receive a digital copy.
The data obtained will allow us to make year-on-year comparisons from three years of TNA results. This sector engagement process will continue up to 2020.
Led by FIS Sector Skills Engagement Manager Amanda Scott, the result allows us to accurately forecast the demand needs for skills and technical qualifications required to meet your contractual obligations over the next financial year. “To ensure we meet our membership’s reported demand and engage our supply chain of approved training providers and partners to fill demand, your response is critical.”
Amanda and the skills team will be engaging with all members, offering advice and completion support. Email amandascott@thefis.org
The infographic below highlights some of the key analysis findings of the TNA 2018
General Information
• Ideally, this survey should be completed by the dedicated person in your organisation responsible for training and development planning, such as a training officer or human resources officer
• All responses for future forecasts should be accurate based on the date of return
• Your TNA returns will be held in confidence and in line with the FIS privacy and data protection policy
• The TNA has an inbuilt save function. You will be asked for your email address and a unique link will be sent to your address returning you to the last question you worked on
Should you require any assistance in completing any section(s) please contact the Project Manager Amanda Scott by email: amandascott@thefis.org where individual appointments can be booked.
