News
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...
Lens Blog: Suspension
FIS Consultant Len Bunton looks at the Contractors Right of Suspension and the process that should be followed. These monthly Blogs are designed to help FIS Members avoid common traps and build on our focus on collective experience. They share ideas about improving...
CIJC publishes holiday entitlement for 2023
The The Construction Industry Joint Council (CIJC) has published the Holiday Entitlement 2023 with guidance on annual and public/bank holidays that apply under the CIJC Working Rule Agreement. There will be an additional bank holiday on Monday 8 May 2023 to mark the...