News
Apprenticeship standards review
The Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education (IfATE) have published the findings from the construction route review. The report sets out how apprenticeships, T Levels, Higher Technical Qualifications (HTQs), and further training will keep pace with the...
National Insurance increases
National Insurance (NI) contributions have now risen by 1.25% for employees in Class 1, 1A, 1B or 4, as well as Class 1 employers. This increase will remain until 5 April 2023, before contributions revert to 2021/22 levels. The Chancellor also confirmed that the NI...
Get ready to inspire the next generation
Build UK has announced that the next Open Doors will take place from Monday 13 ‐ Saturday 18 March 2023. Members are encouraged to start thinking now about how they can get involved. Open Doors is a fantastic way for young people and those looking for a change of...
Contract award league table recorded nearly £5.8 billion during March
The latest information from Builders’ Conference shows that 490 contracts worth £5.8 billion were awarded in March. Whilst the number of contracts increased for the third month in a row, the value dipped again but was only just below the monthly average for the past...
Industry mega-poll to track development of PI insurance crisis
Companies from across the industry are being asked to take part again in what was, last year, the biggest ever review of construction’s growing professional indemnity insurance crisis. The survey was carried out last year in response to firms from across the industry...
FIS joins new Sustainability Task force for London
The City of London Corporation has unveiled a new Skills for a Sustainable Skyline Taskforce which will look at defining and addressing skills gaps around the construction, retrofit and maintenance of low carbon commercial buildings in Central London boroughs. The...
Key 2022 employment law and HR updates
2022 is set to be another busy year for key updates and changes to Employment Law, including the introduction of the long-waited ‘Employment Bill’ – which is set to be the biggest review of workplace employment rights in over 20 years. FIS Associate Member Citation...
New Training Awards to celebrate people, dedication and achievement in plastering and interior trades
FIS and The Worshipful Company of Plaisterers have joined forces to expand on the Plaisterers’ Training Awards, which traditionally covered plastering and drylining, to encompass the wider finishes and interiors sector. The new Training Awards will now recognise...
Legislation and tax changes to look out for in April
April sees a number of legislative and tax changes come into effect, we've included details in below to remind members and ensure they are complying. Minimum wage rates From 1 April, the National Living Wage will increase to £9.50 per hour, whilst the National Minimum...