January’s edition of the Joint Taxation Committee’s Newsline provides information on: Travel expenses; Fuel rates for company cars; Welsh landfill tax; Scottish tax rates and a summary of the Employer Bulletin.
The Newsline is available to read here.
Peter’s funeral will be held at 12.30pm on Friday 13 January at Peterborough Crematorium, Mowbray Road, PE6 7JE with food and drinks afterward at The Fitzwilliam Arms, Stamford Road, Marholm, Peterborough, PE6 7HX. All are welcome to attend.
Now that Article 50 has been triggered, the UK will begin negotiations to exit the European Union. FIS intends to represent its membership by providing the government with accurate data, backing-up an argument for construction to be considered in the Brexit talks. In order to do this, we have produced a short survey based on staff and operatives.
The workforce survey can be accessed here.
We urge as many companies as possible to take part; the more data we collect, the more informed we will be to accurately and actively lobby the politicians responsible for getting us the best deal for construction.
There are just seven questions to complete, all answers will be treated in the strictest confidence.
A summary of the data revealed that new order growth hit an 11-month high in December. Other key findings were a robust and accelerated upturn in new work; construction output increased at the fastest pace since March; input cost inflation was at the highest level since April 2011.
The CIOB report highlights the critical role that construction plays in reversing the declining levels of economic and social mobility in the UK. It contains a specially commissioned survey of 1,094 working adults.
Results show that construction ranks near the top for social and economic mobility, maintaining a third of all employment in this occupation group.
Follow the link to the CIOB website to download the report.
The Each Home Counts review was launched in 2015 to consider issues relating to consumer advice, protection, standards and enforcement in relation to home energy efficiency and renewable energy measures in the UK.
On Friday 16 December, the Each Home Counts report was published by the Department for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy and it sets out the recommendations from the review chaired by Peter Bonfield.
The Construction Products Association (CPA) led one of the key workstreams (for the insulation sector) to develop findings and consensus, and identify the subject areas for detailed consideration. The review makes a number of key recommendations. In the next stage, industry will develop detailed plans to implement the vision set out in the report.
Further to our news item ‘Fit-out firms on alert for £900m opportunities’ on 17 October, we now urge member companies to register on the eSourcing portal. Companies seeking access to online PQQ documentation should email Lesley Bond at the Cabinet Office government procurement unit by 9 January 2017: lesley.bond1@hmrc.gsi.gov.uk
The email should contain:
(a) the contract reference — Govt Hubs Fit-Out Framework
(b) a contact email address
(c) a contact name
(d) the company name and contact telephone number
The Government Hubs office closure and relocation plan is expected to generate up to £1bn of fit-out work over the next seven years. The major works programme will offer opportunities on a mix of small to large, and simple to complex fit-out projects across the country for a select list of preferred contractors.
A networking event is being held on 2 February 2017 which will provide attendees with good practice examples on meeting the health and wellbeing needs of the workforce by:
– promoting the positive impact that a health and wellbeing culture can have on society
– identifying ways to manage employees with long-term health conditions
– highlighting areas where age can make employees vulnerable to certain safety hazards
– discussing why life-changing health events, rehabilitation and return to work are becoming increasingly important in the management of health and wellbeing
The event is aimed at all employers, managers, safety and risk professionals and employees who are looking to promote a positive health and wellbeing culture in their organisation and manage the challenges of not only the ageing workforce, but also the health of all employees whatever their age.
Bookings must be made by Thursday 26 January. The event will be held at Holborn Bars, 138–142 Holborn, London, EC1N 2NQ and will run from 8.00am to 4.30pm. To view the programme and booking details, download the form on our Health, Safety and Welfare Forum here.
Exhibitor opportunities are also available. If you’re interested in promoting your organisation, or showcasing a new product or service, email Louise Griffin, Events Assistant Coordinator, at louise.griffin@iosh.co.uk or call 0116 257 3207.
The Forum has been updated with the latest news article and dates of forthcoming meetings. According to Construction Manager, published on behalf of the Chartered Institute of Building, almost half of all small refurbishment projects failed HSE safety inspections. Notes published ahead of the HSE board meeting last week revealed that inspectors visited a total of 1,840 sites and inspected 2,235 contractors in June/July and October/November of this year. Out of these, 49% of sites fell below safety standards. Inspectors issued 741 enforcement notices and 1,059 notices of contravention. Read the full story via the link on the Forum page here.
