News

FIS plans to address labour shortage

FIS plans to address labour shortage

There have been reports of up to 60% labour not being available by some FIS members.  With this in mind, FIS has two projects specifically designed to attract people into the sector. In addition, the Governments Plan for Jobs has four initiatives that rely on...

Independent experts to review safety of construction materials

Independent experts to review safety of construction materials

Residents across England will be better protected as the government takes the next step to ensure materials used to build the nation’s homes are safe and tested properly. Housing Secretary Robert Jenrick has today (20 April 2021) appointed two experts to lead an...

CLC response to the Industry Safety Steering Group

CLC response to the Industry Safety Steering Group

The role of the Industry Safety Steering Group (ISSG) is to report on the progress of the construction industry in delivering culture change to support greater building safety; and to challenge and hold industry to account on behalf of the Secretary of State for the...

Webinar: how to use the apprenticeship service

Webinar: how to use the apprenticeship service

The apprenticeship service is hosting a series of support webinars, the next one is taking place on Wednesday 28 April between 12pm to 1pm. Since 1 April 2021, all new apprenticeships are managed and funded using the apprenticeship service.  All employers hiring...

VAT: Trading and moving goods in and out of Northern Ireland

VAT: Trading and moving goods in and out of Northern Ireland

Information has been added to guidance with information about when to use an ‘XI’ prefix in UK VAT numbers in the ‘paying VAT’ section. For more information, visit https://www.gov.uk/guidance/trading-and-moving-goods-in-and-out-of-northern-ireland

SME’s can access £2,000 via the Brexit Support Fund

SME’s can access £2,000 via the Brexit Support Fund

Apply for a grant to help small and medium-sized businesses new to importing or exporting. You can now apply for the SME Brexit Support Fund. Smaller businesses can get up to £2,000 to pay for practical support, including training or professional advice to adjust to...

A guide to mental wellbeing

A guide to mental wellbeing

As part of #StressAwarenessMonth the CICV Forum has produced a guide to mental wellbeing, with a comprehensive overview of leading charities and support networks and advice on where to find essential services. #COVID19 #InThisTogether A copy of the guide, Where to...

Material supply concerns rise as sales recover in Q1

Material supply concerns rise as sales recover in Q1

The recovery in construction product manufacturing continued in the first quarter of 2021, according to the Construction Product Association’s (CPA) State of Trade Survey. So far, the pick-up in construction activity has been led by private housing, infrastructure and...

Level 3 qualifications now free for some adults

Level 3 qualifications now free for some adults

On 1 April nearly 400 qualifications are available at Level 3 qualifications became free to access for over-24s without A-levels, an advanced technical diploma or equivalent.  This is part of the Government’s Lifetime Skills Guarantee and includes over 60...