by Clair Mooney | 16 May, 2025 | Main News Feed
The BSI has published PAS 8700, sponsored by MHCLG, to standardise and streamline the use of modern methods of construction (MMC) in new-build residential properties. It covers project set up, design, information management, delivery and assembly, and maintenance and repair.
This PAS sets out the process for the effective deployment of modern methods of construction (MMC) in residential development to improve stakeholder understanding and realise the benefits of MMC. As the sector has significantly evolved and matured, there is a need for greater consistency and comparability to increase the use of MMC.
by Clair Mooney | 15 May, 2025 | Main News Feed, Skills
As part of this process, members of the plastering sector are being contacted to participate in the review. This offers a chance for industry professionals to influence the standards that will ultimately shape N/SVQs.
CITB are seeking representation from across England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland, with the consultation planned to begin in the next couple of weeks.
Interested parties can complete the provided form https://forms.office.com/e/rgVfxvSymW to participate.
More information on National Occupational Standards can be found here: National Occupational Standards (NOS) – CITB
by Clair Mooney | 13 May, 2025 | Main News Feed
The Home Office have announced that new measures were unveiled in the Immigration White Paper ‘Restoring Control over the Immigration System’ to reshape their immigration system towards those who contribute the most to economic growth, with higher skills standards for graduates and workers.
New requirements on employers to boost domestic training will end the reliance on international recruitment.
Every area of the immigration system – work, family, and study – will be tightened up, to reduce record-high levels of net migration and restore control and order to the immigration system.
Core principles of the plan include:
- Reduce net migration: Ensure migration levels are controlled and manageable.
- Link to UK skills needs: Align immigration with domestic training and skills requirements, avoiding over-reliance on foreign workers.
- Fair and clear rules: Make the system transparent and effective, with Parliament-defined rules, especially around family life.
- Enforce the rules: Strengthen enforcement, including tackling illegal work and deporting foreign criminals.
- Promote integration: Support community cohesion through English language requirements and assessing migrants’ contributions.
FIS Chief Executive Iain McIlwee commented:
“It remains a concern that there is insufficient differentiation between the types of immigration.
“For me, it remains disappointing that the political need to drive down the headline numbers continue to overshadow the practical economic need to consider the merits of migration to key parts of the economy by considering the skills shortages that could well constrain growth.
“We have over the past 50 years, we have become increasingly reliant on immigration. While it’s encouraging to see renewed investment in the skills landscape, we are still not yet the beneficiaries of this investment. No one is arguing against investing in domestic training and modular construction, but that may not be enough in the short to medium term.”
Further information regarding the Immigration White Paper announcement can be found by visiting: Prime Minister’s remarks and Gov.uk news story
by Oscar Venus | 9 May, 2025 | Main News Feed
FIS will be responding on behalf of its members to the Government green paper consultation on construction products reform. We have been in discussion with individuals throughout the supply chain and have gathered views across all areas of the consultation. Members have one more week to give us your comments if you wish for us to include them in our response, and would encourage you to contact jamesparlour@thefis.org with any comments you have.
Conversations with our members to date have highlighted a few key concerns:
- Lack of harmonisation between regulatory approaches for products with and without a designated standard, means that manufacturers may have to undergo very different processes in order to achieve compliance with regulations as designated standards are introduced over time, or depending on the products they sell. A universal approach that encompasses both product categories would be desirable.
- Recommendations of additional measures for safety critical products such as requiring the use of third party certification schemes are welcomed, however a proportional approach will be needed for some non-fire risk related performance characteristics that whilst potentially fulfilling the definition of safety critical, present a much lower risk in real terms.
- The requirement for manufacturers of products not covered by a designated standard to produce a risk assessment that eliminates or controls safety risk related to “reasonably foreseeable conditions of use” requires much more clarity to ensure that manufacturers are not held to unreasonable standards relating to improper use of products by other operators in the supply chain.
Peter Capelhorn of the Construction Products Association (CPA) recorded a webinar with Building Safety Minister Alex Norris MP there they discussed the consultation in detail which can be viewed here:
Construction Products Green Paper Webinar 030425
Anyone can respond directly to the consultation before 21/05/25 at the link below:
Construction Products Reform Green Paper – Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government – Citizen Space
by Oscar Venus | 9 May, 2025 | Main News Feed
FIS is proud to support Mental Health Awareness Week, taking place from 12–18 May 2025, led by the Mental Health Foundation. This year’s theme – community – serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of human connection in supporting our mental wellbeing.
Being part of a positive, safe community helps people to feel supported, find purpose, and know they are not alone, values that align strongly with our mission at FIS. In the finishes and interiors sector, building a culture that prioritises mental health is more important than ever.
To support this, FIS has created a Mental Health Hub, offering access to resources, best practice guidance, and signposting for members and their teams. We encourage everyone in the sector to take a moment during this week to connect with others, share experiences, and promote a culture of care and support within their organisations.
Visit the FIS Mental Health Hub to find out more.
Let’s continue to build strong, connected communities, both on and off-site.
by Oscar Venus | 9 May, 2025 | Main News Feed
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.
