News
Passing HSE site inspections – managing dust in construction
Across October, the Health & Safety Executive (HSE) is conducting assessments across the UK to analyse any respiratory risks caused by the exposure from certain substances across construction sites. One of the biggest causes of respiratory-related illnesses in the...
The Role of Building Control and Interiors Contractor takes the stand – Grenfell Update
The main reminder from the Grenfell Inquiry last week was that Building Control should be used be a safety net, not a fundamental part of the design process. We also learned more about potential communication failings between interior and exterior contractors. It was...
Competence requirements set out for new role of Building Safety Manager
The competence requirements for the proposed new role of the Building Safety Manager have been set out in a new report Safer people, safer homes: Building Safety Management. Under new legislation being introduced in the draft Building Safety Bill published in July,...
Built environment and fire industries set out blueprint for improving competence and driving culture change
A blueprint to improve competence for those working on higher-risk buildings and drive culture change has been set out by a cross-industry group representing more than 150 organisations (including FIS) in the fire and built environment industries. Setting the Bar is...
Job Retention Bonus
The JRB was announced as part of the Chancellor’s Plan for Jobs. The JRB allows employers to claim a one-off payment of £1,000 for every eligible employee they have furloughed and claimed for through the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme (CJRS) and kept continuously...
Health and Safety Executive cracks down on dust
Health and safety inspectors across Great Britain will be targeting construction firms to check that their health standards are up to scratch during a month-long inspection initiative, starting on Monday 5 October 2020. This is the fourth health-focused initiative of...
No help from the MAC in latest review of the shortage occupation list
In a disappointing report from the Migration Advisory Committee, there appears to be little hope of seeing the Shortage Occupations List (used within the new proposed Points Based Immigration System) of large parts of the construction industry being able to rely on...
Fully-funded Welsh-medium TAQA course
(25 November & 27 January) ACT is offering free places on a Welsh-medium assessors Training, Assessment & Quality Assurance (TAQA) Level 3 course, financed by the Coleg Cymraeg Cenedlaethol. The online course aims to give qualified assessors the knowledge,...
Lifetime Skills Guarantee misses the mark for construction
The Prime Minister has unveiled new plans to expand the training and skills system, which will see adults without an A‐level or equivalent qualification entitled to a free college course in England from April 2021. Greater flexibility will also be given to higher...