News
Changes to Building Regulations and Cladding Systems
With the Building Safety Act now in force, we are seeing changes to the wider building regulations continuing apace. Below are two key changes of significant note. The ban on the use of combustible materials in and on the external walls of buildings with a storey at...
NHBC announces revisions to its Technical Standards
NHBC’s revisions to its Technical Standards are now live. The latest edition of the organisation’s Technical Standards applies to every new home registered with the new homes warranty and insurance provider where the foundations have been laid on or after 1 January...
Demand for construction workers high despite economic uncertainty
Against a backdrop of economic challenge, rising materials and labour costs, new figures from CITB reveal that almost 225,000 extra workers will be required to meet UK construction demand by 2027. CITB’s annual Construction Skills Network (CSN) report shows that: •...
No Going Back: creating career opportunities for ex-offenders
FIS is working with No Going Back (NGB), an innovative programme of training, support, employment, and housing funded and driven by 35 Livery Companies working collaboratively to reduce re-offending. With Employment being such a major part of changing people’s lives...
Show your support for National Apprenticeship Week
National Apprenticeship Week will take place between 6 to 12 February 2023 and the theme for this year has been unveiled as Skills for Life, reflecting on how apprenticeships can help individuals to develop the skills and knowledge required for a rewarding career, and...
FIS conducts census to support skills work
Labour and skills shortages, and an aging workforce remain a key issue for the finishes and interiors sector. There is also a growing requirement to demonstrate competence. To this end FIS is conducting a census of its workforce via its Skills Pulse Survey. This...
Drilling into payment issues in Scotland
FIS has supported CICV (a collaborative construction trade body in Scotland) in developing a new major new survey to help establish an overview of the current state of payments and cashflow in the Scottish construction industry. Created by the CICV’s Pipeline &...
Government consultation on the removal of national classifications
Government is consulting on the removal of national classifications as a way of demonstrating compliance with the guidance given with Approved Document B, Fire. Construction products offering fire resistance (walls, ceilings, doors and floors) can be tested using...
Delay to abolishing CE Marking, but flip flopping on test and assessments creates more uncertainty
In a recent revised announcement UK Government confirmed that the deadline for ending recognition of the CE mark has been extended to 30 June 2025. This was welcome news ahead of the New Year, albeit at the eleventh hour as it alleviated any concerns around immediate...