News
Asbestos kills – learn the essentials and act
There are over 5,000 asbestos-related disease deaths each year caused by health conditions including mesothelioma, lung cancer and asbestosis. Whether you’re a tradesperson, building owner, licensed contractor, or a member of the public, it's vital to recognise...
Test to Release for international travel
The new Test to Release for International Travel scheme will come into force on 15 December for passengers arriving into England from a destination not on the travel corridor list. Under the scheme, you can choose to pay for a COVID‐19 test from a private provider...
New Construction Playbook – A new approach to procurement
The Construction Leadership Council was created with a remit to drive improvement within the construction sector. Since its creation, it has worked to encourage collaboration to build a better industry, and to act as a bridge between the public and private sectors in...
Brexit: The Big Three Issues for the Finishes and Interiors Sector
Brexit looms, a deal remains elusive and we continue to be inundated by messages from the Secretary of State and various government departments to, “get ready”, but there remain some real challenges and uncertainty. There are some practical things you can do, but...
Industry engagement – short duration training standards – Basic Fire Safety – post-Grenfell
CITB would value employer input on the proposed content and implementation approach for a new Training Standard on basic fire safety. CITB is currently working as part of the Competence Steering Group, designed to tackle the shortcomings identified in the Hackitt...
Apprenticeship support expanded to all levy-registered construction employers
CITB is changing its apprenticeship support to enable all levy-registered construction employers to benefit from an expanded support service. Currently, CITB offers employer and apprentice support for its 7,000 contracted apprenticeships, about a third of the total...
FIS Calls for Reverse Charge VAT plans to be scrapped
FIS has joined a powerful coalition construction bodies in calling for reverse charge VAT plans to be scrapped. In a letter signed by 44 bodies, the coalition points out that many SMEs in the supply chain are critical to delivering the Government’s ‘Build Build...
FIS raises serious immigration concerns and advises on action to prepare
In the wake of growing concerns over immigration in 2021 and the impact of tighter rules on the finishes and interiors sector, trade body FIS, supported by Seddons Law LLP, Indigo Group, Lignum Group and Bamboo Project Solutions hosted a webinar explaining how...
Mapping out the road to competency and compliance
Dame Judith Hackett was clear in her interim report of Building Regulations and Fire Safety that there has been a lack of evidence of compliance and competency and even clearer that the industry needed to address this. So, what has happened since February 2018 and do...