News
ECJ reinforces employees’ rights in the ‘gig’ economy
On Wednesday 29 November, the European court of justice (ECJ) in Luxembourg ruled that workers are entitled to paid leave and can claim compensation if they are not allowed to take their holidays. The ruling follows a long-running legal challenge involving a UK window...
Silver Trowel becomes an Approved Training Provider
As part of the continued drive to strengthen the network of FIS Approved Training Providers and Further Education Colleges, we are pleased to announce that Silver Trowel Ltd is the latest Approved Training Provider, recently completing its rigorous application...
Industry Card Scheme update from CLC
The Construction Leadership Council has now updated its guidance on the Industry Card Scheme to take a more common-sense approach. The move follows confusion over non-construction staff like chefs, vending machine installers and pest controllers being refused entry to...
Get it Right
Attendees at FIS's annual conference earlier this month heard harsh messages and urgent calls for action from its four industry guest speakers regarding the Grenfell fire and building regulations, Brexit, skills shortage and mental health in construction. Geoff...
November edition of Focus magazine
In the November edition of FIS Focus, we hear Change is Coming; read what the experts have to say on the review of building regulations following Grenfell. Mark Farmer says analysis of the construction industry is borne out of a realisation that there are deep-seated...
Welcome to your new President
Andrew Smith, joint managing director, sales and marketing at OWA (UK), took over FIS presidency during our AGM at the conference on 9 November. Andrew has been an active FIS board member for six years, supporting the merger of AIS and FPDC. His priority is to...
FIS, BRE and WELL Building Institute call for revolution
FIS recently led a roundtable debate, bringing together industry leaders to discuss the problems and solutions needed to improve well-being in office buildings. The event, sponsored by BRE and the International WELL Building Institute, included TV presenter and...
Overcoming the challenges in urban housing
For 10 years, the Urban Renovation Programme in France has spent €20 billion to demolish 120,000 units and to build 100,000, therefore, it is costing €15 billion to lose 20,000 dwellings. At the same time, 2 million people are looking for social housing. So why are...
IHS Markit/CIPS UK Construction PMI: October
A summary of last month's data from the IHS Markit/CIPS UK Construction PMI® revealed that construction activity rose slightly in October, but optimism fell to its lowest for almost five years. Other key findings include: Marginal upturn in construction output, led by...