A summary of the data revealed that the construction sector lost momentum in January. Other key findings were: Weakest activity growth since the recovery began in September 2016; Job creation hits eight-month peak; Strongest input cost inflation since August 2008.
Build UK and CECA will be carrying out an audit of industry skills cards across construction sites on Wednesday 8 February 2017.
The requirement for all skills cards to carry the CSCS logo and be ‘smart’ was set by the Construction Leadership Council (CLC). This will provide consistency and recognise the training and qualifications that individuals hold whilst working on construction sites.
The SmartCard Audit will promote the value of the smart technology and highlight any expired and fraudulent cards.
From April 2017, large businesses and limited liability partnerships (LLPs) will have to publish details twice-yearly on the average time taken to pay supplier invoices.
As part of business enterprise and corporate governance, government has set out measures to increase transparency of payment practices to support small firms. This will highlight bad practice and lead to improved standards.
Government has published guidance on how to comply with the duty to report, aiding large businesses to prepare for the new reporting requirements. In addition, the appointment of a Small Business Commissioner will support small businesses in resolving payment disputes.
Further details on the late payment policy have been released in a government response to a consultation on the Duty to Report on Payment Practices and Performance here.
The CITB board has approved plans to cut the levy it charges qualifying construction firms by almost a third. This would see the current charge of 0.5 per cent drop to 0.35 per cent from 2018.
Between August and September this year, the CITB will be required to receive consensus from the sector as to whether it should continue to collect levy from construction firms, as part of the process for the CITB in seeking a Levy Order from the government.
A decision is expected in February 2018.
FIS will be hosting a 45-minute presentation on Sustainable Design, Health and Wellbeing in Higher Education to architects and designers on the main stage at Surface Design Show on 8 February 2017 at 2.15pm.
The panel will include Andrew Parkin, Acoustics Partner at Cundall; Elina Grigoriou, Grigoriou Design and Chair of RICS SKA Rating; and Evan Landy, EHS (Environment) Officer from University College London.
Find out more about Surface Design Show via the link opposite. We look forward to seeing our members there.
January’s edition of the Joint Taxation Committee’s Newsline provides information on: Travel expenses; Fuel rates for company cars; Welsh landfill tax; Scottish tax rates and a summary of the Employer Bulletin.
The Newsline is available to read here.
