by Oscar Venus | 9 May, 2024 | CSCS
In accordance with the latest CLC recommendation regarding Industry Card Schemes, it is now mandatory for all cards bearing the CSCS logo for skilled occupations to be obtained through qualification. As of 30 June, Industry Accreditation cards will no longer be renewed, and all existing cards will expire on 31 December. The number of individuals holding Industry Accreditation cards has decreased to 25,000 from over 60,000, and CSCS has provided guidance on replacing Blue, Gold, or Black Industry Accreditation cards issued by the core scheme.
Companies need to determine the appropriate path for each worker to transition to the relevant card based on their occupation and qualifications. For workers requiring qualifications, plans should be put in place promptly. Currently, there are enhanced CITB grant rates for attaining specific S/NVQs when replacing Industry Accreditation cards. CSCS does not issue cards for non-construction roles, and individuals who do not regularly visit the site may not need a card.
by Oscar Venus | 9 May, 2024 | Main News Feed
FIS is proud to support Mental Health Awareness Week. We recognise the importance of mental well-being in the construction industry and strive to provide ongoing support for all FIS members.
As part of our commitment to this cause, we are actively participating in Mental Health Awareness Week 2024, themed “Movement: Moving more for our mental health”. This initiative aims to encourage individuals to prioritise physical activity as a means to improve their mental health.
At FIS, we believe that fostering a supportive and understanding environment is crucial in promoting mental wellness among our members. We offer a range of resources and support systems to ensure that everyone has access to the help they need.
Through these efforts, we hope to create a culture where mental health is valued and prioritized, not just for one week, but every day of the year.
by Oscar Venus | 9 May, 2024 | Building Safety Act
This latest guidance from the Building Safety Regulator provides more information on expectations for managing the scenario where the Building Safety Regulator (BSR) has approved your building control approval application. It focuses on how you:
- make a change control application for major changes to the proposed work
- tell BSR about notifiable changes
This guidance applies to higher risk buildings, but should also be considered useful guidance for managing changes to all regulated construction works.
It recommends that for each change, a brief description of the change and why you consider it to be a major or notifiable change is included in the information pack.
It is vital to advice the BSR:
- why you are making the change, for example, change of design approach or availability of materials
- all the advice you sought, even if it disagrees with your proposal
- who gave the advice, their occupation and contact details
- which documents the change affects
You can read the full guidance note on the Government website here.
by Clair Mooney | 3 May, 2024 | Membership
We’re excited to reveal the shortlist for the 2024 FIS Contractors Awards – which promote and encourage high levels of craftsmanship in the finishes and interiors sector.
The awards showcase the very best of our industry and after months of project visits, our judges have determined their shortlist.
To see who made the shortlist click here
The winners in each category, along with the architect or interior designer of the winning project, will be announced in front of a packed audience at the FIS Awards Lunch on 6 June at the Royal Lancaster Hotel in London. The event is now sold out. If you would like to be added to the waiting list for tickets, email clairmooney@thefis.org
The standard of entries into this year’s Contractors Awards was extremely high, so we would like to congratulate all companies that entered.
by Clair Mooney | 2 May, 2024 | Main News Feed
After four years of virtual collaboration, the Construction Industry Collective Voice (CICV) convened its inaugural in-person meeting in Edinburgh in April, bringing together representatives from many of its 29 member organisations for the first time.
Alan Wilson, Chair of the CICV, opened the meeting by reflecting on the organisation’s evolution and its continuing commitment to Scotland’s construction industry, stating,
The CICV, born out of necessity during the pandemic, has become a beacon of collaboration. As we meet face-to-face for the first time, we reaffirm our commitment and strengthen our dedication to building on our foundation of unity and resilience.
Ivan McKee MSP, a longtime supporter of the CICV, also provided opening remarks that highlighted the forum’s significant impact on the industry. He praised the CICV’s role in representing a diverse range of sectors and professions and its influence on shaping industry standards and practices that resonate within both governmental and public realms.
The meeting itself focused on outlining the CICV’s strategic future and reinforcing its role as a principal advocate for the construction industry. Discussions included updates on the Construction Accord’s Transformation Plan, and how CICV members’ invaluable insights and expertise are being applied across its various working groups.
Following the meeting, Fiona Hodgson, Deputy Chair of the CICV, reflected on its outcomes, saying,
In an evolving construction landscape, the CICV’s role has become more crucial than ever. Today’s discussion not only reaffirmed our commitment to collective action and strategic foresight but also underscored our leadership in advocating for innovation and resilience within the construction industry.
by Clair Mooney | 30 Apr, 2024 | Technical
FIS Safety Alert: Suitability of gypsum-based systems in the construction of smoke shafts
Concerns have been raised with FIS that gypsum-based systems are being specified to construct smoke shafts for mechanically ventilated systems in some high-rise buildings. Members are advised that gypsum-based systems are typically tested for fire resistance, sound insulation, air permeability and robustness. These tests do not replicate the pressure differential conditions or measure leakage at ambient or elevated temperatures which may be required for this application.
Members are advised to be watchful for this detail in their tender requests and project specifications and seek clarification, especially where any specific requirement to meet performance in accordance with BS EN1366-8, the shaft is classified to BS EN 13501-4 or elevated negative air pressures are referenced. On design matters members should seek clarification from the Principal Designer and/or Engineering Services Designers and consult with Manufacturers with respect to any live or legacy specifications. They are also reminded to be watchful for any clauses in contract that may leave them with responsibility for the design, compliance, or cost of demonstrating compliance of such details.
If you have additional questions, please contact the FIS Technical team on 0121 707 0077 or email jamesparlour@thefis.org or joecilia@thefis.org
Subsequent to the publishing of above statement on the 3rd May 2024 the Smoke Control Association has issued a statement recommending that the materials and products used for smoke control ducts and shafts are tested in accordance with the test standards referred to in BS EN 12101-7 for multi-compartment smoke control ducts which is BS EN 1366-8.
BS EN 1366-8 covers air leakage, integrity, insulation, maintenance of cross-sectional area and mechanical stability under pressure, characteristics which are detailed within BS EN 13501-4.
The full statement from the SCA can be viewed here.
VISIT THE FIS BUILDING SAFETY ACT HUB FEATURING OUR E-LEARNING INTRODUCTION TO THE BUILDING SAFETY ACT COURSE HERE
by Clair Mooney | 30 Apr, 2024 | Market data
Construction firms are likely to experience mixed fortunes during 2024 and it will be highly dependent on which sectors they are operating in, according to the Spring CPA Construction Industry Forecasts. House builders and contractors working in housing new build and repair, maintenance and improvement (rm&i) continue to face a subdued environment. Conversely, firms operating in industrial, commercial refurbishment and fit-out or working on major infrastructure projects continue to enjoy strong levels of activity. Overall, after last year’s decline in activity (which is not reflected in the official ONS data), construction output is forecast to fall this year before recovery in 2025 and 2026 alongside stronger economic growth.
In terms of key risks to the forecasts, on the positive side, the possibility of earlier and faster interest rate cuts points towards slightly better economic prospects, which could benefit housing new build and rm&i. Conversely, on the negative side, an overly cautious Bank of England keeping interest rates high for longer may lead to an upward blip in mortgage rates, adversely affecting housing demand.
Total construction output is forecast to fall by 2.2% in 2024, a marginal downward revision from the 2.1% decline in the Winter forecast. However, output is forecast to rise by 2.1% in 2025, a marginal revision upward from 2.0% in the previous forecast. Further growth of 3.6% is anticipated in 2026, but clearly, there is greater uncertainty around activity in 2026 given the impacts of a potential new government on public sector spending plans, given that the government is the largest client in construction, accounting for around one-quarter of construction activity. Within the overall forecast figures this year, there are mixed fortunes across the different sectors. However, the key drivers of the decline in construction output in 2024 remain falls in both private housing new build and rm&i. There are positive and negative risks to the forecast for the UK economy and construction given the current number of political and economic uncertainties. As a result, alongside the forecast it is important to note the CPA’s Key Risks as well as the Upper Scenario and Lower Scenario, in addition to the forecast.
by Clair Mooney | 26 Apr, 2024 | Contractual and Legal, Employment
For new workers the Government has announced a number of changes to the Points‐Based Immigration System (PBIS). These seem to be designed to reduce overall net migration and do make it harder for FIS Members to engage overseas workers. The key changes are outlined below.
Workers need to earn more than under the old system
The earning threshold for the Skilled Worker visa has risen from £26,200 to £38,700, as well as raise the Immigration Health Surcharge from £624 to £1,035. The Shortage Occupations List will also be replaced with a new ‘Immigration Salary List’, which retains a general salary discount but includes fewer occupations (plastering and drylining is not on the list, they culled most of the construction workers on the grounds they want to incentivise the industry to do more to recruit and train local people).
Under the PBIS, most workers from outside the UK in construction are required to be ‘skilled workers’ and require a Skilled Worker visa to work in an eligible occupation.
Build UK have produced a helpful flow chart here to show how it now works in terms of gaining sufficient points
Employers need to pay more than under the old system
The Home Office has increased the fees for most types of visas, including the ‘Skilled Worker’ visa used by most workers from outside the UK in construction.
- For those applying for a visa from outside the UK, the fee is £719 for up to three years and £1,420 for more than three years.
- For those already in the UK extending, switching or updating their visa, the fee is £827 for up to three years and £1,500 for more than three years.
- For occupations on the Immigration Salary List (which has replaced the Shortage Occupation List), the fee is £551 for up to three years and £1,084 for more than three years, regardless of whether applying from in or outside the UK.
The fine for employing illegal workers has increase from £15,000 to £45,000 per illegal worker for a first offence and from £20,000 to £60,000 for repeated offences. More on the fees here.
Right to work checks are still important
Depending on the individual, employers have the following options for ensuring they have right to work in the UK: a digital check via a certified Identity Service Provider, an online check via the Home Office online service, or an in‐person manual document‐based check.
FIS is working with Migrate UK to help members navigate the changes. Migrate has produced specialist guidance for FIS Members (including a great webinar hosted for FIS Members: “How to hire skilled workers from the Global Talent Pool”) and the free consultation and discounted services available exclusively to FIS Members through this relationship here.
by Clair Mooney | 26 Apr, 2024 | Building Safety Act
FIS attended a Building Safety meeting earlier this week organised by BuildUK where Andrew Moore, Head of Operations Planning and Building Control at the Building Safety Regulator (BSR), and Martin Taylor, Executive Director at Local Authority Building Control (LABC), gave a unique insight into the latest phase of the Building Safety Regime from 6 April. Key points raised were that:
- The vast majority of Gateway 2 applications are for refurbishment and there are more small scale works in HRB’s than the regulator was anticipating.
- When applying for Building Control Approval, the Building Regulations compliance statement needs to contain a clear ‘narrative’ setting out how the e planned work will meet Building Regulations, including the guidance or standards used.
- Local Authority Building Control (LABC) is no longer able to provide pre‐planning advice in relation to applications for Higher‐Risk Building (HRB) projects where it would create a conflict with its role in providing building control services; however, it is anticipated that LABC will continue to signpost to best practice guidance.
- The role of Principal Designer should be undertaken by a lead designer who has authority over design decisions and is able to co‐ordinate the design work and challenge the design team to ensure all designs comply with relevant Building Regulations. In the event of a change in Principal Designer, there is a formal handover process within the regulations (section 11O) that must be followed.
- There is a need to clarify the requirements for hospitals and care homes at different stages of the HRB regime, for example whether Gateway Three approval is required before wards can be reoccupied after refurbishment work.
In a separate meeting with representatives of Building Control and the Design Sector, FIS were involved in discussions focussed on challenges in the design process. Confusions around the difference between offering design advice and being classified as a designer remain. It is critical that companies are clear on the extent of any design liability and adhere to the design control process when making decisions (beware the site fix). The other key part of the discussion was around what is Regulated Works and therefore when work in a HRB needs to be notified to the Building Safety Regulator and challenges around partial completion strategies that support phased occupation.
Other Building Safety News
In a written statement to Parliament last week, Secretary of State for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities Michael Gove confirmed that the new guidance on second staircases, which is intended to “provide additional capacity to reduce congestion, support egress and facilitate additional access for firefighting and rescue”, will apply nationally.
If you have any questions around the Building Safety Act, don’t hesitate to call FIS on 0121 707 0077 or email info@thefis.org and we’ll get back to you asap.
