Preparing for Change: What the Employment Rights Bill Means for Your Business

Preparing for Change: What the Employment Rights Bill Means for Your Business

With the Employment Rights Bill expected to receive Royal Assent this summer, FIS members are encouraged to review upcoming changes that will significantly reshape the employment landscape. Described by Government as the ‘biggest upgrade to rights at work for a generation’, the Bill introduces new rights and protections, improved working conditions, and stronger enforcement measures.

FIS Partner Citation has published a helpful overview of the proposed reforms, which include removing the two-year qualifying period for unfair dismissal, day-one rights to leave and sick pay, and making flexible working the default unless proven unreasonable. Most changes are expected to take effect by April 2026.

We urge members to familiarise themselves with these changes and review existing HR policies. You can download the guide from Citation (basic contact details required), and FIS members can also access tailored advice by calling 0161 504 0843 and quoting their membership.

This is a significant moment for employers, early planning will ensure a smoother transition.

U.S. Tariff uncertainty threatens to overshadow UK construction growth

U.S. Tariff uncertainty threatens to overshadow UK construction growth

Excluding the potential impacts of the recent U.S. tariff disruption on the global and UK economies, the Construction Products Association’s Spring Forecasts, published today, show that construction output is only expected to recover gradually. Following two challenging years that have particularly affected the two largest sectors – private housing new build and repair, maintenance and improvement (rm&i) – total construction output is expected to grow by 1.9% in 2025 and 3.7% in 2026, from a low base.

This is a slight revision down from the Winter Forecasts due to a slow start to activity this year, weaker UK economic growth prospects, higher inflation for longer and subdued consumer and business confidence. Furthermore, rises in the National Living Wage, employers’ National Insurance Contributions, and falling thresholds, from 1 April, will increase costs throughout the supply chain.

In private house building, activity continues to recover gradually, but house builders reported that it has been a slower start to this year than anticipated, as affordability and a lack of demand remain the key constraints, with mortgage rates remaining high and no government policy stimulus. Furthermore, developers working on high-rise apartment blocks continue to suffer from 6-9 month delays at the Building Safety Regulator, which disproportionally affects new house building in London and Build-to-Rent developments. On the positive side, however, the Government published its National Planning Policy Framework, and its Planning and Infrastructure Bill is currently being passed in parliament. This may help deal with one constraint, but according to larger house builders, activity from the measures is unlikely to be seen on the ground until at least 2027 due to developments already in the pipeline with planning permission. Overall, private housing output is forecast to rise by 4.0% in 2025 and 7.0% in 2026 and the risks remain weighted to the downside.

Private housing rm&i is the second-largest construction sector, and it continues to benefit from a consistent stream of energy-efficiency, solar photovoltaic and cladding remediation work. Outside of this, however, rm&i activity has been slow to start this year. A rush in property transactions before Stamp Duty changes on
1 April and a strong link between transactions and home improvement work within the first 6-9 months of moving in were expected to lead to a recovery in the sector in 2025 H2. This is especially the case as households have now had a sustained period of real wage growth and many homeowners have finance available for home improvements. This may still be the case, but the key is whether they will be confident enough to spend it, and a recent increase in the savings ratio suggests that households are more focused on saving rather than big-ticket item spending. Overall, private housing rm&i output is expected to rise by 2.0% in 2025, with any growth at the backend of the year, and 3.0% in 2026.

In infrastructure, the third-largest construction sector, activity continues to remain strong on major projects such as Hinkley Point C and HS2, whilst the Lower Thames Crossing has been given the go-ahead as expected, although construction work will still not start until 2027, and it will be privately financed. Energy generation activity will be the key driver of growth as wind farm activity ramps up and increases in capital expenditure in the water sub-sector to deal with high-profile water quality issues will also lead to a step-change in activity from 2026. However, whilst the headlines coming from government suggest record levels of investment in roads near-term, spending on road projects this year will be £5.0 billion less than it previously has been, and only two large road projects are expected to start this year. As a result, roads output is forecast to fall this year. Overall, infrastructure output is expected to rise by 1.8% in 2025 and 4.5% in 2026.

Commenting on the Spring Forecasts, CPA Head of Construction Research, Rebecca Larkin, said:

“After a difficult couple of years, the fundamentals still point towards a return to growth in construction activity in 2025 and 2026. A gradual improvement in UK economic activity and government’s commitment to capital expenditure should boost demand, whilst government’s easing of planning for house building, infrastructure, data centres, gigafactories, schools, hospitals, and prisons should also help delivery in the medium-term.

“The big risk is the potential impacts of the U.S. tariff disruptions in April. There is likely to be only a limited direct impact of tariffs on construction as three-quarters of construction products used in UK construction are sourced domestically. Even when the UK imports construction products, two-thirds are from the EU. However, this could be overshadowed by any effects on global and UK economic growth and the increase in uncertainty. This uncertainty adds a higher risk over the cost of new large projects, contractors working on existing fixed-price contracts and is also likely to dent investor confidence. As a result, it could mean a delay or hiatus in contract awards and tenders for new, large commercial, industrial and build-to-rent developments, in addition to less appetite for private investment in infrastructure.

“The CPA is forecasting construction output to rise by 1.9% in 2025, and over three-quarters of this growth (79%) is expected to be driven by private sector investment. UK construction is pro-cyclical, meaning construction activity moves in line with the UK economy. Nevertheless, construction activity is also three times more volatile than the UK economy so it would not take a significant hit to global and UK economic growth for construction growth to be badly affected over the next 12-18 months.”

Market Data

FIS has access to a wide range of market data from sources including the CPA and Barbour ABI.  In addition, FIS produces a state of trade survey specifically for the finishes and interiors sector.

FIS reveals finalists for its 2025 Contractors Awards

FIS reveals finalists for its 2025 Contractors Awards

FIS is delighted to announce the shortlist for this year’s FIS Contractors Awards – a true celebration of workmanship and design in the sector.

Thank you to all our members who put forward their projects, we had a fantastic number of entries, and our judges had a tough job on their hands in selecting the shortlist from all of the outstanding projects. Making the shortlist is an achievement in itself, so congratulations to all.

The winners will be revealed at the FIS Awards Lunch on 5 June 2025 at the Royal Lancaster Hotel in London, by our Guest Speaker James Cracknell OBE.

Interior Fit Out – under £1m – Sponsored by SIG

  • Clansman Interiors – Future Beauty Labs
  • Drywall Contracts – Lillington Health Centre
  • DSP (Interiors) – AMS Hayley Derby

Interior Fit Out – over £1m – Sponsored by SIG

  • GA Interiors – New St Catherines Hospice
  • MPACT Group – Virgin Money
  • Titan Interior Solutions – Mulberry Academy London Dock

Partitioning – Sponsored by Protektor

  • Indeglas – Edinburgh Futures Institute
  • V&D Interiors – Ysgol Robert Owen
  • V&D Interiors – Dorothy Pattison Hospital

Plastering (internal, heritage, and fibrous and GRG)

  • Artisan Plastercraft – The Old War Office
  • David Fisher & Sons (Edin) – Edinburgh Futures Institute
  • Fine Art Mouldings – Penkridge Hall
  • Ornate Interiors – Re Making Beamish 1950’s Cinema
  • Ornate Interiors – Bradford Live
  • Spray Plaster Specialists – The Blade and 360

Drylining Commercial – Sponsored by CCF

  • Drywall Contracts – MasterChef
  • Measom Dryline – Co-op Live Arena
  • V&D Interiors – Ysgol Robert Owen

Drylining Residential – Sponsored by British Gypsum

  • GA Interiors – Ebbsfleet
  • Yesero – Manchester Square Gardens – Blocks A & B

Ceilings- Sponsored by Zentia

  • MSC Fit Out – The Wellsprings
  • Titan Interior Solutions – One Nine Elms

Steel Framed Systems – Sponsored by the Hadley Group

  • Drywall Contracts – Holloway Head SFS Phases 1 and 2
  • Stanmore Contractors – Ebury Bridge Estate
  • Stanta Crowley – Aylesbury Estate

Acoustic ExcellenceSponsored by Troldtekt

  • Clansman Interiors – Future Beauty Labs
  • Measom Dryline – Co-op Live Arena
  • Yesero – Manchester Square Gardens

The winners will be revealed at the FIS Awards Lunch on 5 June 2025 at the Royal Lancaster Hotel in London, by our Guest Speaker James Cracknell OBE. As well as the installation categories above, winners of the following categories will also be announced on the day:

We would like to say a massive thank you to everyone who entered the 2025 FIS Contractors Awards. The standard of entries this year was incredibly high making the judging process no easy task – a true testament to the skills and talent that is driving our industry forward.

Have you booked your tickets at the Awards Lunch?

Find out more about the event and book your tickets here.

Celebrating 10 years of FIS

Celebrating 10 years of FIS

FIS is marking its 10-year anniversary this year, celebrating a decade of unwavering commitment to FIS members and the wider sector.  The FIS community includes contractors, manufacturers and distributors of ceilings, partitions, plastering, drylining, operable walls, steel framing systems, and specialist interior fit-out and refurbishment businesses operating in every type of building.

Formed between a merger of two trade associations in 2015, FIS has grown to represent over 600 members with a combined turnover of over £12.7 billion and a workforce of over 250,000.

Achievements and initiatives
The guiding principle of FIS is to be member-led and it is this support from members through the members Board, working groups, regional events and day-to-day close working that focuses direction and ensures FIS, not only has a clear and informed voice when working to influence change, but that activity is laser focused on delivering practical and tangible benefit to the community and wider sector.

Amongst the notable interventions and achievements over the last 10 years a few stand out, these include:

Steering the industry through Covid

We worked with the wider sector and key stakeholders to ensure members had access to advice in real-time, providing concise daily updates. The work also included mobilising a small working group to develop key H&S support (including the FIS COVID RAMS to support close proximity working). During this time, FIS was a founder member of the Construction Industry Collective Voice in Scotland, working with colleagues from across the nation to collaborate and optimise the support for the wider construction industry in one of the darkest times we have collectively known

Navigated the implementation of the Building Safety Act

FIS fed in to change and developed its Product Process People Quality Framework and Integrated Management Standard to help members manage compliance. FIS guidance on the Golden Thread was recognised as best in class in the industry and the free to member Building Safety Act training course has supported over 450 members to date.

Developed a bank of technical information and guidance

In the last 10 years FIS has developed an impressive bank of information to support the specification and installation of walls, ceilings, floors and SFS Facades. Dedicated Working Groups ensure that this growing wealth of technical information that includes our Best Practice Guides, Specifiers Guides and technical guidance notes help support best practice and training in the sector. Concerns raised in developing guidance for Partitions and Operable Walls led to the formation of the FIS Acoustic Verification Scheme, ensuing members claims about acoustic performance are verified. The scheme was expanded to embrace pods in 2024.

Established the Tall Building Working Group

In 2019 FIS established the Tall Building Working Group to lead research into concerns associated with creaking noises in tall residential towers. In this work FIS collaborated with industry experts from around the globe to study test data and movement of tall buildings and their impact on installations. FIS raised funding and conducted around £100,000 of testing to help identify causes of concern and start to help lead the sector in finding mitigating strategies.

Collaboration with industry bodies

Collaboration has remained at the core of FIS work and we have worked with a number of trade bodies and the wider sector to develop the Firestopping of Service Penetrations Guide – specifically targeting concerns related to the penetration of fire compartments. This work helped inspire the formation of the Passive Fire Knowledge Group, encouraging and leading collaboration outside of traditional industry siloes and latterly the publication of Walls as a System (looking at compatibility concerns).

Commissioned academic research and market data

In addition to an impressive array of benchmarking and market data available to members, FIS has commissioned academic research. The largest study to date was The Reading Report, a collaboration with the University of Reading and AMA Research with nearly 300 business contributing to this seminal study on challenges derived from contracting, procurement and payment practices in the sector.

Enhanced legal support for members

FIS Legal Support has ratcheted up over the past decade and the organisation has produced template contracts, training, a legal helpline and a contract review service delivered through an impressive array of leading industry experts. This work is pivotal in helping members avoid and manage disputes. Over 21 calls have gone through the FIS legal helpline.

FIS launched Project Reuse

In 2021 FIS established a Sustainability Leadership Group. This has become a vibrant forum for action and has specific training pathways to help ensure the workforce is engaged and knowledgeable. Tools to support a standard for pre-refurbishment audits have also led to setting up FIS Project Reuse, a live facility helping overcome practical problems aligned to reuse of products in commercial projects.

Helping to address the sector skills shortage

The skills shortage remains perhaps the biggest strategic challenge for the sector. Constantly changing the angle of attack, the FIS BuildBack programme helped to introduce 160 new entrants into the sector. FIS has developed new apprenticeship standards for Drylining, Ceilings, Demountable and Glazed Partitions and Plastering as well as frameworks to support demonstration of competence against the new industry standard. Work with My Professional Passport to develop the FIS Competency Passport was referenced in a recent Department for Education report written by Mark Farmer into training practices in construction as a tangible example of how innovation can help support change. Most recently FIS introduced a new partnership with The Skills Centre, bringing a modern and agile, employer focussed approach to delivery of apprentices.

Looking ahead
Looking ahead to the next decade, FIS President, Ian Strangward said:

“The success of FIS is that it works closely with us, the members, to interrogate and understand problems, tapping into the collective wisdom.  This means that they are uniquely placed to develop targeted guidance and provide a platform for collective action.  The world today is about more than what you know, it is about how you know.  Much of the success of FIS is built on a structured approach to research and analysis of the problems.  This work has seen us emerge as a real thought leader, not just challenging the behaviours and shortcomings in the sector and regulation, but looking at practical ways we can collaborate to improve.

“Who you know also remains important and all of the great work of FIS means it has never been in a better position to influence change.

“In FIS we are blessed with a modern, driven and effective trade body that stands us, as businesses, in a good place to navigate the uncertainty that is the world today and position ourselves in the best possible position to adapt and meet the changes head on”.

FIS continues to evolve and the next chapter involves the launch of a new collaboration with the University of Reading looking at the low-rise housebuilding sector, a renewed focus on health and safety, using innovation and e-learning to target occupational health issues that are putting workers at risk and shortening careers (adding to the worker shortages).  The organisation has embarked on developing technical guidance into targeted training through the new E-Learning Hub.  This work looks at how information can be better targeted with the scope of FIS support extending to cover with more specificity, in a modular way to support roles like contract management and estimating.  Attention is also starting to turn to how AI and digital solutions can help drive productivity and support both the work of the organisation and the sector as a whole.

The FIS team remains passionate about supporting members in building stronger, more resilient businesses to take the industry forward. As we reflect on the past decade, we want to express our thanks to all our members for being an integral part of the FIS journey. Here’s to many more years of collaboration, innovation, and success. Thank you for your continued support.

Tell your FIS Story

Help us keep to keep telling the story of FIS by sharing your experiences with us.

How has the FIS helped you in the past 10 years?

Updated Building Control Fees from 1 April 2025

Updated Building Control Fees from 1 April 2025

From 1 April 2025, the Building Safety Regulator (BSR) has introduced increased fees for a range of building control functions, including the processing of applications for Building Control Approval at Gateway Two.

As members navigate the evolving building safety regime, it’s important to be aware of these changes and factor them into project planning and resourcing. To support this, Build UK has updated its Gateway Two Validation Guide, which now includes the revised fee structure and helpful guidance on how to prepare a compliant application.

FIS encourages all members involved in regulated building projects to review the updated guide to ensure smooth progress through Gateway Two.

FIS Wage Rate Survey points to ongoing inflation

FIS Wage Rate Survey points to ongoing inflation

The FIS Wage Rate Survey 2025 (data gathered in the first quarter of the year) revealed that, across the trades, FIS members have continued to experience increases in wage rates averaging around 7% in key trade occupations (the full index is available to contributors only).

Commenting on the data FIS CEO Iain McIlwee stated:

“The data underpins that the supply chain continues to be hit by inflationary pressures with an annual increase of 7% in 2025 piling on top of double digit inflation in 2024.  If we look at what this means in real terms, for some trade areas rates are now (cumulatively) 75% higher than when we started to gather data in 2020.  If we compare this to the wider economy, construction wages continue to outstrip the national average which was below 6% in 2025 and 2025.  This is putting real pressure on specialist contractors.  Comments gathered as part of the research raised concerns linking this inflation to shortages in key trade areas.  If the market does start to improve in 2025 and 2026 there are very real concerns that the skills are simply not going to be there to meet demand.  To address this, it is vital that recent Government announcements about investment in skills don’t just get lost in long term strategy, but are invested in supporting employers now in training and developing their workforce.”

The survey also points to changes in the structure of the workforce, which continues to trend away from direct employment, which has fallen from 26% in 2021 to 23% in 2025.

FIS also gathered data on Payment Trends, with around 20% suggesting that payment payment practices have worsened in the past 12 months and less than 5% reporting improvements.

FIS gathers and collates a range of market data to support the sector,  you can see the full range of data available here.