News
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...
Apprentice Wage Rates
Following the increase in the National Minimum Wage (NMW) rates from 1 April 2021, the Construction Industry Joint Council (CIJC) has confirmed that, where the pay rates for apprentices in the Working Rule Agreement do not align with the NMW, the NMW takes precedence...
COVID-19: Employer Testing Duty and Self Isolation Rules
If you are an employer that requires staff to travel regularly across UK borders, you must take reasonable steps to facilitate your employees to take tests. To help protect the country from coronavirus (COVID-19), there are testing regimes in place for those who...
FIS Responds to Safer Buildings in Wales Consultation
FIS has written to the Welsh Government to formally support the CPA response to the Safer Buildings in Wales consultation and highlighted the confusion caused by Regulation 7 and challenges in building classification. On the whole the consultation sets out an...
VAT Deferral New Payment Scheme
Companies that deferred VAT payments between 20 March and 30 June 2020 and have monies outstanding need to take action and join the VAT deferral new payment scheme by 21 June 2021. Those who do not join the scheme or settle the account before 30th June could be...
Product Shortages ‐ CLC Statement
The CLC Product Availability Group has issued a statement on the availability of construction products, which confirms that demand will remain high throughout 2021 and urges ‘all users [to] plan for increased demand and longer delays, keep open lines of communication...
Safety Alert: On site storage
If loading out a site and in wake of shortages and potentially taking larger orders of product than would ordinarily be the case, remember to check insurance implications and to survey the area carefully to ensure that any loading limitations on the floor/storage area...
Encourage the Next Generation
How to become a Construction Ambassador: We are all aware of the difficulties of encouraging the next generation into one of the finishes and interiors sectors many careers. As an employer you no doubt feel concern when it’s time to recruit, by becoming a...
Apprentice Employers can make up to 10 new reservations
From 1 April 2021, the Education and Skills Funding Agency (ESFA) will reset reservation levels for employers who do not pay the Apprenticeship Levy. This will enable employers to make up to 10 new reservations to fund new apprenticeship starts in the financial year...