Latest News - Faset

CONSTRUCTION PRODUCT AVAILABILITY STATEMENT

As the trade association and training body for the safety netting and temporary safety systems industry, FASET monitors the latest developments in the construction sector, particularly regarding worker health and safety, sustainability and equality. The following statement is from John

LEXiCON Methodology Consultation

COVID-19 Site Operating Procedures ‘no longer current’

Government confirms Roadmap will proceed on 19th July

Following final review of the data, the Prime Minister has confirmed that Step 4 of the Roadmap will proceed as planned on 19 July. On this date, most legal restrictions will end, removing social distancing and social contact restrictions and

Construction output falls 0.8% in May

HSE releases annual workplace fatality figures for 2020/21

“Significant gap” in carbon understanding threatens net zero aspirations

74% of C-suite executives have an incomplete understanding of their company’s carbon footprint A third of C-suite executives have yet to appoint a head of sustainability (35%) or implement a green sourcing strategy (34%) 69% of C-suite executives said they

Introduction of the Building Safety Bill

The Building Safety Bill was introduced to Parliament yesterday by the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG). The Building Safety Bill will implement recommendations made in Dame Judith Hackitt’s ‘Building a Safer Future’ report, which highlighted a need

Brexit and the UK Adequacy Decision

Applications for the EU Settlement Scheme close today (30 June)

There is a pack for employers containing a range of resources that can be shared with employees to help them apply, which is hosted by Build UK – the leading representative organisation for the UK construction industry: https://builduk.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/EU-Settlement-Scheme-Employers-Guide.pdf The EU

Construction and flexible working

The effects of the pandemic have been far-reaching and it has prompted a lot of workplaces to look again at flexible working. FASET monitors the latest developments in the construction sector, particularly regarding worker health and safety, sustainability and equality.

Britain builds back: Construction will need 216,800 new workers by 2025 to meet demand

Commitment to achieving NetZero by 2050

CLC reminds businesses: Get Ready to Ensure Data Flows from the EU continue after 30 June 2021

Construction businesses are being encouraged by the CLC to ensure that they have adequate mitigation measures so that they may continue to transfer personal data between the EU and the UK after 30 June 2021 – whatever the case, the

NHS Trust fined following failures to manage environmental risks

Delay to Roadmap out of Lockdown

As the trade association and training body for the safety netting and temporary safety systems industry, FASET monitors the latest developments in the construction sector, particularly regarding worker health and safety (and COVID), sustainability and equality. Earlier this week the

‘No jab, no job’

CONSTRUCTION OUTPUT FELL 2.0% IN APRIL 2021

The Construction Leadership Council (CLC) has reported that construction output fell 2.0% in April 2021 following a particularly strong increase in March (5.8%): output now stands above its pre-pandemic February level. New work continues to be subdued but the level

CONSTRUCTION ACTIVITY REMAINS STEADY – MAY 2021

Build UK, the leading representative organisation for the UK construction industry, has released the latest information from the Builders’ Conference, which shows that the number of contracts awarded in May was above the monthly average for the last year, whilst

CLC UPDATE ON BUILDING SAFETY

The Construction Leadership Council has issued a four-point bulletin on building safety. 1: Residential Property Developer Tax – Consultation opens Earlier this year the Government announced that it would introduce a new Residential Property Developer Tax as part of its Building Safety

APPG Report

The All Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) on Working at Height was delighted to welcome Sarah Newton, chair of the HSE, and Dr Helen Bamforth, project director for the HSE’s Discovering Safety campaign, to its April meeting. This article was written

UK & US COLLABORATE TO IMPROVE THE BUILT ENVIRONMENT

A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) has been announced between representatives for the United Kingdom (UK) and the United States of America (U.S.) cementing a pledge to work together on the development of the US National Building Information Management (BIM) Program.

FALL FROM HEIGHT LEADS TO FINE

LEARNING THE LESSONS FROM ACCIDENTS

We are pleased to share the following insight from Ray Cooke, Health and Safety Advisor for the No Falls Foundation. Ray spent 35 years with the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) and has a wealth of valuable experience to share

CONSTRUCTION PRODUCT AVAILABILITY CONCERNS

FASET – Fall Arrest Safety Equipment Training – is sharing this story, which is likely to have an impact to a certain degree on most companies in the construction sector and its supply chain. A statement from John Newcomb, CEO

Women in construction offer perspective on markets in UK and Sweden

CONTRACTORS FINED AFTER WORKER INJURED BY DROPPED LOAD

FASET – Fall Arrest Safety Equipment Training – is the trade association and training body for the safety netting and temporary safety systems industry. We obsess on the safety of everyone in the construction and FM sectors and are keen

COVID spot checks and inspections on businesses continue as lockdown measures ease

Anne-Marie Trevelyan MP’s Keynote Speech at UK Construction Week

Workers left without edge protection on fifth floor roof

Help Inside the Hard Hat

The Lighthouse Construction Industry Charity is the only charity that provides emotional, physical and financial wellbeing support to construction workers and their families – and has been doing so since 1956. The charity has launched its Help Inside the Hard

HSE reports of custodial sentence for failure to report incident

FASET – Fall Arrest Safety Equipment Training – is the established trade association and training body for the safety netting and temporary safety systems industry. As well as offering expert quality guidance and training to our members, we closely monitor

CONSTRUCTION ON TRACK TO REACH ITS GREEN TARGETS

A report by the Climate Change Committee has set out a host of ambitious carbon reduction targets and points to where resources should be focused. In a bid to boost Britain’s sustainability credentials ahead of the COP26 conference in November

The last year has presented some of the toughest challenges in a generation. The threat of COVID to our physical health and the toll on our mental health as a consequence of the adjustments we’ve all had to make have

HSE publishes Annual Science Review: ‘COVID-19: Collaboration in a time of crisis’

The future of tall buildings in question

Skyscrapers and tall buildings are a fundamental part of the construction sector and their increasing presence in cities is a reliable indicator of the health of the industry and the economy as a whole. Therefore, with the COVID-19 pandemic changing

Announcing another new FASET member – welcome to LDS Hire & Sales Ltd

FASET is pleased to welcome LDS Hire & Sales Ltd. as its newest member. LDS Hire & Sales Ltd. was established in 2006, when its specialists designed, developed and manufactured its first metal system. Since then the company has gone

National Decking Services Ltd .becomes FASET member

FASET is pleased to welcome National Decking Services Ltd. as its newest member. National Decking Services Ltd. specialises in metal decking and safety netting throughout the UK. All the company’s site teams are fully trained in all aspects of metal

Surge in height safety breaches is cause for concern

As the trade association and training body for the safety netting and temporary safety systems industry, FASET is keen to circulate that the Building Safety Group (BSG) has reported an 84% increase in the number of ‘working at height’ breaches

Revnet Safety Systems becomes FASET member

FASET is pleased to welcome Revnet Safety Systems as its newest member. Revnet Safety Systems, based in Howden in East Yorkshire, has a combined experience of over 50 years in the construction and civil engineering industry. Its mission is to

CLC news release reveals backing of value toolkit

As the trade association and training body for the safety netting and temporary safety systems industry, FASET keeps up to date with the latest news within the construction industry – particularly regarding COVID, Brexit and sustainability. We are pleased to

Double-digit growth forecast for this year but risks remain

MEWP accident highlights critical importance of training

It has been reported that a demolition has been fined £200,000 after the operator of a mobile elevating work platform (MEWP) – or cherry picker – became trapped between the platform rail and the roof of an industrial shed. FASET

FASET and SAEMA Manager Tony Seddon on becoming PASMA trained

An interview with Tony Seddon, Managing Director of FASET (Fall Arrest Safety Equipment Training) by PASMA (Prefabricated Access Suppliers’ and Manufacturers’ Association) has given a refreshing insight into the approach taken to height safety – both from the beginner’s point

HSE reports on fines for safety breaches

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has issued a news item with details that the clients and principal contractor of a construction project have been sentenced following numerous serious health and safety failings. Basildon Crown Court heard how London and

HSE advises employers to review stress in the workplace

A statement from the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has urged employers to review the stress-causing factors in their workplaces and the work that their employees do. Stress, depression or anxiety account for 51% of all work-related ill health cases

Construction regrowth continues with 1.6% increase

Construction, as with the majority of sectors, has suffered a considerable decrease in activity since the advent of COVID-19 in March 2020. The adoption of stringent safety measures combined with sheer hard work throughout the industry saw an admirable recovery

Safety net rescue – important change to FASET guidance

Following a request from a client to practice safety net rescues on their site using “live” nets, we have made a slight change to FASET Bulletin SN29 (Revision 2) Safety Net Rescue: DOWNLOAD. This change makes it clear that whilst FASET

TG20:21 scaffolding software now on sale

The updated and expanded scaffolding compliance software from the National Access & Scaffolding Federation (NASC) is now on sale. TG20:21 builds on TG20:13, the NASC’s innovative, user-friendly and widely-adopted eGuide software, which enables users to produce a wide range of

Construction Product Availability Statement

FASET – Fall Arrest Safety Equipment Training – has read with interest the statement issued this week about the availability of construction products, from prominent figures within the construction industry. Statement from John Newcomb, CEO Builders Merchants Federation and Peter

Collaborative Reporting on Safer Structures

FASET – Fall Arrest Safety Equipment Training – is pleased to share this press release from the Construction Leadership Council (CLC). Following the tragedy at Grenfell and subsequent government review of Building Regulations led by Dame Judith Hackitt, a recommendation

The Official HSE Health and Safety app for SMEs

FASET – Fall Arrest Safety Equipment Training – is pleased to share news of the release of a bespoke mobile app from the Health and Safety Executive (HSE). The new app is designed to help organisations understand the law, their

Taking the lead on net zero training

It has been widely reported in the construction press that businesses need to step up their eco training to avoid placing the UK’s net zero targets in jeopardy. Reports by the CITB and the Institute for Public Policy Research (IPPR)

Improved Pre-Qualification System Goes Live

FASET (Fall Arrest Safety Equipment Training) is pleased to share this press release from Build UK about how major contractors are now adopting the Common Assessment Standard. Build UK is the leading representative organisation for the UK construction industry. Bringing

Introducing a new and easy way to check you are using a FASET Member

FASET – Fall Arrest Safety Equipment Training – has introduced a Member Search Facility to allow principal contractors and other clients to quickly and easily check whether or not a company is a FASET member. Ensuring that the company you

The Construction Leadership Council (CLC) has set out its mid-term strategy. It includes one-year and three-year plans against its priority themes, focused particularly on building safety and the race to net zero carbon. The CLC’s three priorities are: Industry recovery

Construction injury highlights importance of using certified systems

A recent accident has resulted in two construction companies being fined a total of £46,000 after a bricklayer was injured due to the failure of a working platform. The accident is extremely regrettable and FASET, as the established trade association

Fire safety regulation breaches could lead to unlimited fines, according to new regulations

FASET – Fall Arrest Safety Equipment Training – is pleased to share this important story from the Safety and Health Practitioner. The Government has announced new regulations to boost building safety and £16 million for fire and rescue authorities. Unlimited

CONSTRUCTION SECTOR BACKS CLC NATIONAL RETROFIT STRATEGY

FASET – Fall Arrest Safety Equipment Testing – is pleased to share this ‘good news story’ from the Construction Leadership Council (CLC). 50 organisations including representatives of the energy and water sectors are backing the CLC National Retrofit Strategy which

Temporary CSCS Cards Implemented for Lightning Conductor Engineers and Steeplejacks

FASET – Fall Arrest Safety Equipment Training – is pleased to share the following news story from the Access Industry Forum (AIF) on the implementation of temporary CSCS cards for lightning conductor engineers and steeplejacks. The Association of Technical Lightning

Scaffolding eGuide to launch

FASET is pleased to report that the NASC’s eagerly-anticipated eGuide scaffolding compliance software update and expansion – TG20:21 – is due to go on sale from this month The NASC is the national trade body for access and scaffolding in

Landmark construction skills plan backed by industry and government

FASET (Fall Arrest Safety Equipment Training) is pleased to share this announcement from the Construction Leadership Council (CLC), which has published the first sector-wide skills plan for construction, developed by industry. The Industry Skills Plan for the UK Construction Sector 2021-25 sets

GOVERNMENT BANKS ON INFRASTRUCTURE GROWTH

The government’s budget announcement confirmed plans for the setting up of a national infrastructure bank. While the establishment of a national infrastructure bank (NIB) is not necessarily news as it has been trailed for quite some time, it is expected

The construction sector’s response to the Prime Minister’s Net Zero challenge

The following press release was issued by Andy Mitchell, Co-chair of the Construction Leadership Council. FASET is pleased to share this important message which affects everyone within the construction industry. The construction industry must come to terms with the impact

What Budget 2021 means for construction

Speaking in the House of Commons this afternoon chancellor Rishi Sunak made several announcements that are sure to impact construction. A summary is included below. COVID-19 job support Sunak confirmed the furlough scheme will be extended until the end of

Minister’s open letter reminds construction sector to follow COVID-19 guidance

Scotland’s housing minister has written an open letter to the construction industry to thank them for their hard work, and for complying with the lockdown restrictions. Nicola Sturgeon’s plan will see Scotland ease restrictions every three weeks until April 26

100th FASET CSCS card issued

FASET – Fall Arrest Safety Equipment Training – is proud to announce it has just issued its 100th FASET CSCS card. The new FASET CSCS card was launched on 1st February 2021. As a result of a collaboration between FASET

COVID update – news on roadmap

Many people will have seen the prime minister’s announcement on the roadmap for easing lockdown restrictions on 22nd February, but we’re pleased to share the following summary which has implications for everyone. The Prime Minister delivered a statement in the

PASMA releases free guidance on new scaffold tower standard

With changes to BS EN 1004 taking full effect later this year, PASMA is urging all businesses using mobile access towers to use the transition period wisely. FASET – as the established trade association and training body for the safety

Tragic accident highlights vital important of safety systems

The following story of the tragic death of a roofer in Kirkdale, Liverpool, is particularly sad as it could so easily have been prevented through the use of a temporary safety system. Liverpool Crown Court heard how on 22nd May

Welcoming the Expansion of the Building Safety Fund

FASET exists to support the construction industry via expert quality guidance, dedicated working at height training and exclusive membership benefit schemes all with the intention of promoting a safer way of working. It is vital that buildings are safe and

Study reveals significant confusion over COVID-19 liabilities

FASET endeavours to keep its members up to date with the latest developments in the construction industry, including those regarding COVID-19. Research from quantity surveying firm Turner & Townsend claims that one in three construction contracts are not fit to

NASC members to give 290+ young people a start in scaffolding

FASET – Fall Arrest Safety Equipment Training – is pleased to share the following story, originally shown in the news section of the Access Industry Forum website. National Access & Scaffolding Confederation (NASC) members will provide more than 290 young

Global BIM Summit – 17 March 2021

Building on a foundation of successful collaborations between governments, and regional public sector communities, the Centre for Digital Built Britain (Cdbb) is taking the next step together to form a Global BIM Network for the public sector. To launch the

Charity publishes support pack for workers who fall from height

At FASET our aim is to reduce and ultimately eliminate accidents that result from working at height. We co-operate with other organisations, specialist bodies and institutions involved in the provision and maintenance of façade access systems and equipment. They include Build

FASET welcomes two new members

FASET – Fall Arrest Safety Equipment Training – is delighted to welcome two new member organisations. JMAC Safety Systems Ltd (https://www.jmacsafetysystems.co.uk/) specialises in platform decking, while Spectra Asset Integrity Management Ltd (https://www.spectrainspection.com/) is a specialist provider of safety netting. Like

FASET CSCS Card – Now Live

FASET (Fall Arrest Safety Equipment Training) has teamed up with CSCS (Construction Skills Certification Scheme), the leading card scheme for the UK construction industry. This means FASET now issues cards which display the CSCS logo, for the safety netting and

Recovery continues for manufacturers despite increased concern over material and component supply

FASET – Fall Arrest Safety Equipment Training – is pleased to share the following story on the continued recovery in construction sales. Data from the Construction Product Association (CPA) suggests construction product manufacturers reported a second quarterly increase in sales

FASET welcomes new member i.Scaff

FASET – Fall Arrest Safety Equipment Training – is delighted to welcome a new member organisation – i.Scaff. i.Scaff provides scaffolding, safety netting and access solutions in Wantage, Oxfordshire. With the strapline “Big enough to cope, small enough to care,”

FASET-CSCS Partnership Offers Benefits for At-Height Workers

SITE ACCIDENT HIGHLIGHTS CRUCIAL IMPORTANCE OF SAFETY MEASURES

FASET – Fall Arrest Safety Equipment Training – as the established trade association and training body for the safety netting and temporary safety systems industry, is keen to share the following report of an accident that occurred on site due

Act now on safety or face shutdown, says BESA

FASET – Fall Arrest Safety Equipment Training – is pleased to share the following content from Heating & Ventilation Review. FASET is the established trade association and training body for the safety netting and temporary safety systems industry. FASET has

Letter issued to the construction industry regarding lockdown

Andy Mitchell CBE, Chief Executive Officer of Tideway and Council Co-Chair of the Construction Leadership Council (CLC), has written to the construction industry regarding the recent lockdown. Mr Mtchell’s letter referenced the letter sent by the Right Honourable Kwasi Kwarteng

FASTER HOUSE-BUILDING BOOSTS UK CONSTRUCTION GROWTH IN DECEMBER

FASET (Fall Arrest Safety Equipment Training), as the established trade association and training body for this industry sector, is keen to share the latest positive news from Builders Merchants Journal on the house building sector. While the UK is currently

Construction industry upbeat about EU trading deal

FASET exists to promote safe working at height in the construction industry through quality training and guidance. Monitoring the latest news that affect companies and individuals is something we do in our own news section. The construction sector is getting

Construction to continue throughout third lockdown

Construction sites can stay open as and continue to operate during the latest lockdown. The prime minister’s announcement on 4th January 2020 informed the nation that there will be a lockdown until mid-February. It will be similar in nature to

Trade Credit Insurance Reinsurance Scheme extended and guidance updated

The Construction Leadership Council guidance on trade credit insurance during COVID-19 has been updated to reflect the latest reinsurance scheme information. The Scheme has been extended by 6 months to 30 June 2021 and approved under relevant state aid rules.

EU Exit Business Readiness: Final Checklist

The Construction Leadership Council (CLC) has published a final checklist for construction businesses ahead of the end of the transition period within the EU. This one page checklist summarises the key changes that UK construction businesses will face at the

The importance of safety nets when working at height

In the construction industry, employers have a duty to ensure their teams are safe on site and that safety measures are ALWAYS in place before undertaking work at height. FASET – Fall Arrest Safety Equipment Training – is the established

Sixth carbon budget published by Climate on Committee Change

FASET – Fall Arrest Safety Equipment Training – is the established trade association and training body for the safety netting and temporary safety systems industry. FASET has long been a foundation in supporting its members with expert quality guidance, dedicated

Brexit uncertainty frustrates Construction

FASET – Fall Arrest Safety Equipment Training – has keenly followed developments regarding both the coronavirus pandemic and how it impacts the construction sector, as well as Brexit and how decisions from the negotiating table will affect construction now and

ONS reports rise in construction output

Construction output saw a monthly increase of 1% in October, according to the Office for National Statistics (ONS). This is due to increases in both new workup (+0.3%) and repair and maintenance (+2.3%). The data shows that this is the

Construction Playbook launched to bring together best practice

Construction Leadership Council (CLC), in collaboration with the Cabinet Office and Infrastructure & Projects Authority, and with input from across the public sector, has developed and published the Construction Playbook. As the description on gov.uk says, the Construction Playbook captures

Construction sector grows at fastest rate for six years

FASET (Fall Arrest Safety Equipment Training) exists to promote safety and best practice within the at-height sector for operatives using safety netting, stair towers and other safety equipment. It is vital to the construction supply chain, which is why we

NFB’s Decarbonisation Initiative

The National Federation of Builders’ (NFB) Major Contractors Group (MCG) is arming the construction industry with practical tools for main contractors to start or accelerate their journey towards achieving net zero carbon with a new decarbonisation handbook. Launched by Mark

A life shattered by a fall from height

FASET – Fall Arrest Safety Equipment Testing – exists to offer a foundation of support for its members with expert guidance, dedicated working at height training and exclusive membership benefit schemes for all, with the intention of promoting a safer

HSE releases 2019/20 UK accident statistics

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has released the latest statistics (2019/20) relating to workplace accidents. The HSE is a UK government agency responsible for the encouragement, regulation and enforcement of workplace health, safety and welfare, and for research into occupational risks in Great Britain.

Announcements provide indication on zero carbon effect on FM

This week has seen a number of government announcements confirming its commitment to achieving net zero carbon emissions by 2050. Included within these have been its 10-point plan, confirming investment and the main areas of concentration, providing more clarity and

Plans revealed for new autism-friendly housing development in Gateshead

FASET – Fall Arrest Safety Equipment Testing – is delighted to share this news story from Bdaily, which demonstrates real progress in the way the construction industry is now directly catering for people with particular health requirements. A North East

ACE resource on coronavirus

The Association for Consultancy and Engineering (ACE) has produced an online resource to ensure its members stay up to date with the latest information regarding the coronavirus. ACE champions infrastructure to government and other stakeholders, representing the views of around

Business secretary says thank you to all construction workers

Business secretary Alok Sharma has written an open letter addressed “to everyone working in the construction sector” to express his gratitude for the work being done. “Thank you to everyone operating in the UK construction sector,” he writes. “You are

FASET delivers first industry webinar on platform decking

On 4th November, Tony Seddon, Managing Director of FASET (Fall Arrest Safety Equipment Training) delivered a webinar to give industry practitioners a comprehensive overview of platform decking, including the benefits, the do’s and don’ts and introduce FASET’s supply partners of

The latest advice on self-employment income support and self-isolation

Following the announcement of the new national restrictions in place from 5th November 2020 regarding COVID-19, Build UK has issued a flowchart showing what to do if a worker has contracted the virus or has to self-isolate. The flowchart can

LONDON BOROUGHS SEEK SUPPORT FOR GREEN RETROFIT WORK

London boroughs have identified 375 shovel-ready projects, representing a £1.35bn pipeline of work – including the retrofitting of 18 large public buildings, 29 schools and thousands of homes across the capital. The councils have found £950m for the work but

CONSTRUCTION AIMS TO MAKE WORKING CONDITIONS AS SAFE AS POSSIBLE DURING SECOND LOCKDOWN

Feedback on how to keep construction sites going safely on the eve of England’s second national lockdown on Thursday is being called for by the Construction Leadership Council, CLC. In a public letter, it flagged up its guidance on safe operation

Number of new homes registered this year so far ‘is down by 30%’

Much has been made of the downturn in new build after the start of the coronavirus pandemic in late March. There are very few industry sectors that haven’t been severely affected – travel and tourism and catering, for example, have

COVID-19 has made workplace sustainability goals clearer

The coronavirus pandemic has made 2020 one of the most memorable years for all the wrong reasons – or nearly all. The death toll both in the west and in developing countries has been terrifying, with the elderly and those

More women building careers in construction during COVID-19

Women looking for work during the coronavirus pandemic have told how a training programme has helped them secure new careers in the construction industry. Fifteen women have been trained by Capital City College Training (CCCT) and have been undertaking work

Job applications in the construction sector grow by 44.5% in Q3 as end of Job Retention Scheme looms

According to the latest quarterly job market report from CV-Library, job applications in the construction sector grew by 44.5% in Q3 2020 and by 21.2% year-on-year. The report looks at job market data throughout Q3 2020 and compares this with findings from the previous

RIBA publishes results of COVID-19 student survey

The Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) has published findings of its COVID-19 student survey, focusing on how architecture students have been affected by the pandemic. Architects are, of course, absolutely crucial in the construction supply chain, which is why

No Falls Foundation appoints its first Health and Safety Advisor

Following his retirement from the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) at the end of September, Ray Cooke has kindly agreed to lend his invaluable and extensive experience to the No Falls Foundation, serving as its Health and Safety Advisor. The

Construction workers’ wages hit hardest during pandemic

Figures just released by the Office of National Statistics (ONS) show that the wages of construction workers have fallen more than in any other sector of the economy. The coronavirus has devastated economic output throughout the world, with many sectors

UK concrete and cement sector sets out net zero roadmap

The UK concrete and cement industry has launched a roadmap to become net negative by 2050, removing more carbon dioxide from the atmosphere than it emits each year. UK Concrete, part of the Mineral Products Association (MPA), has identified that

Promoting mental health in construction

The importance of sustaining the workforce, making sure there is a constant stream of upcoming skilled talent, is well-documented in the construction industry. It is pleasing to see that a growing number of organisations believe that hand in hand with

Cautious welcome for September’s construction boost

As we reach the latter stages of arguably the most turbulent year in living memory, construction industry leaders have cautiously welcomed the quickest rise in new business since lockdown. However, fears linger that construction is currently in the ‘calm before

Scotland publishes construction recovery plan

Scotland’s Construction Leadership Forum (CLF) has published a plan aimed at steering the sector’s recovery from the impact of Covid-19. The plan focuses on the joint action required between the industry and the public sector to respond to the pandemic.

Health and Safety Executive (HSE) cracks down on dust

Health and safety inspectors across Great Britain will be targeting construction firms to check that their health standards are up to scratch during a month-long inspection initiative, starting on Monday 5 October 2020. This is the fourth health-focused initiative of

Government Announces £3bn Plan to Upgrade Buildings

Homeowners can sign up for big savings on upgrades to their homes under the government’s £2 billion Green Homes Grant, with an additional £1 billion announced to improve the energy efficiency of publicly owned buildings. The Green Homes Grant scheme

CLC: Industry must lead the way in take-up of NHS COVID-19 App

The Construction Leadership Council (CLC) has reported that industry leaders have urged businesses of all sizes in UK construction to lead the way in ensuring the widest possible uptake of the NHS COVID-19 app, which launched in England and Wales

Jenrick announces next steps to put beauty and design at heart of planning system

It was announced on Tuesday 22nd September that Nicholas Boys Smith has been appointed to establish a new design body, tasked with driving up design standards. He will lead an expert group advising the government on how to embed beauty

Construction furlough figures revealed

New data released by HMRC and reported in a number of publications has revealed that construction industry companies claiming through the government’s job retention scheme reached £3.2bn at the end of July. This puts construction firms behind only the retail,

2,000 residential buildings still awaiting safe cladding

The Grenfell disaster in 2017 was a tragedy that rightly prompted a greater emphasis on fire safety in buildings over a certain height. While there has been good progress in the public sector to replace dangerous cladding, many more “at

New talent retention scheme for construction industry

The Construction Leadership Council has launched the Talent Retention Scheme (CLC TRS) to keep essential talent within the UK Construction industry. Sustainability of skilled personnel is one of the biggest issues facing the construction industry, and one which FASET is

Draft Building Safety Bill Update

The Institute of Workplace and Facilities Management (IWFM) is formulating its response to the draft Building Safety Bill, including a submission to the parliamentary pre-legislative inquiry on the Bill. FASET, Fall Arrest Safety Equipment Training, has observed this development with interest. FASET has

Re-evaluating training and certification for the “new normal”

FASET (Fall Arrest Safety Equipment Training) has long been a foundation in supporting its members with expert quality guidance, dedicated training and exclusive membership benefit schemes all with the intention of promoting a safer way of working. We strive to

FASET retains SSiP Registered Member status

FASET (Fall Arrest Safety Equipment Training) is delighted and proud to have passed its audit and retained its SSiP Registered Member status. SSiP (Safety Schemes in Procurement) was founded in May 2009 following the government report on accelerating the SME

Government campaign to encourage a return to the office

The Transport Minister has told a London radio station that: “Our central message is pretty straightforward: we are saying to people it is now safe to return to work.” Grant Shapps, in an interview with LBC radio, revealed that the

UK Construction buoyed by third-quarter growth

The UK is reportedly on track for a record economic resurgence during the third quarter of the year, with the construction industry continuing to enjoy an impressive period of growth. City of London economists have predicted a 14.3% rise in GDP

Debate over wearing face masks on site continues

The coronavirus pandemic has raised all kinds of new health and safety concerns and a raft of new guidance measures for organisations in all sectors. In the construction and FM sectors, where the vast majority of work is carried out

Planning reforms to help government’s “build, build, build” campaign

FASET, as the construction industry’s not-for-profit organisation providing quality guidance and training amongst workers, has noted with interest the wholesale reform of the planning system in England announced by the Government. The planning system has been described as being prone

Help for apprentices – the lifeblood of the industry

The construction industry needs a constant flow of new skilled workers coming through in order to meet demand and be sustainable. Therefore, the following announcement from the government is very welcome. In addition to the funding of £1,000 already available

Green Homes Grants – green shoots of recovery?

The UK is now officially in a recession, with some speculating it could be the deepest for many years. The government’s commitment to “Build build build” offers some relief and hope for the construction and FM sectors and the Construction

Construction contracting update

Secretary of State for Housing Robert Jenrick announced major changes to the planning system in an article for The Telegraph recently. The reforms will introduce simpler and faster processes to deliver the homes and places needed in areas designated for

Further easing of COVID-19 restrictions good news for employers

The latest government update on the easing of lockdown restrictions in England, issued on 31st July and following a rise in the number of coronavirus cases, includes the following: whilst there are local restrictions on household contact in certain areas,

Affordable Homes Scheme Will Support Construction Sector

The Affordable Homes Guarantee Scheme 2020, approximated at £3 billion, will increase investment in providers of affordable housing and support the delivery of a significant number of new affordable homes. The contract for a delivery partner to operate the scheme

Executive summary of the NICPP 2020/21 published

Build UK has published an executive summary of the National Infrastructure and Construction Procurement Pipeline 2020/21 to help the industry understand recent Government announcements on the delivery of £37 billion of economic and social infrastructure projects. Build UK is a

FASET plans to secure worker safety for the new ‘workspace’

FASET plans to secure worker safety for the new ‘workspace’ With a mass shift to remote working since late March 2020, a number of FM experts and commentators are speculating that COVID-19 will bring an end to the office as

Scotland moves to Phase 4 of Construction Restart Plan

Scotland moves to Phase 4 of Construction Restart Plan Construction sites in Scotland have been given the go ahead to progress to Phase 4 of the Construction Restart Plan, with physical distancing being maintained or controlled close working with PPE.

CSCS introduces Prepaid Accounts Facility

CSCS introduces Prepaid Accounts Facility The Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS) has launched a new Prepaid Accounts facility. Prepaid Accounts can be loaded with credit and then used to pay for CSCS card applications. This means that CSCS card applications

“The biggest challenge to building safety for 40 years”

The government has finished drafting the Building Safety Bill, which it describes as containing the biggest changes to building safety for 40 years. The draft bill brings in new regulations in the wake of the 2017 Grenfell Tower fire and

CLC issues three new guidance documents for construction companies

CLC issues three new guidance documents for construction companies The Construction Leadership council (CLC) has published three new guidance documents to help companies in the construction sector to manage the impact of COVID-19 on their business. The first of these,

New Government guidance on Apprenticeships

New government guidance on apprenticeships Apprenticeships are the lifeblood of the construction industry and it is vital that the next generation of workers has access to the latest skills, training and guidance to ensure they can perform all disciplines of

Government publication indicates commitment to ‘Build Build Build’

Build, build, build Following the publication of the National Infrastructure and Construction Procurement Pipeline 2020/21, the government appears to have made a solid commitment to ‘Build Build Build’. This is obviously welcome news for the construction industry and supply chain,

“Be Safe, Don’t Fall, Stay Alive”

“Be Safe, Don’t Fall, Stay Alive” The No Falls Foundation – the UK’s only charity devoted exclusively to the work at height sector – has launched a new initiative called ‘Be Safe, Don’t Fall, Stay Alive’. Despite the pressures to

The HSE announces a fall in working at height fatalities

Last week, the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) released its ‘Workplace Fatal Injuries in Great Britain 2020’ annual statistics. Headline figures from the report are: 111 workers were killed in 2019/20 RIDDOR (Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations)

The government announces new plans to get Britain building again

Measures to help the construction industry to boost building and return to work safely are being introduced this week (commencing 22nd June). The announcement from Housing Secretary Robert Jenrick MP stated that planning permission deadlines will be extended, planning appeals

Easing of guidelines good news for safety systems industry

On 23rd June, Prime Minister Boris Johnson described Britain’s “long hibernation period” as edging towards its end. He was, of course, referring to the gradual relaxing of guidelines for living with the coronavirus over the last few weeks and in

Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme: a guide

The government has announced that from 1st July 2020, the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme is changing. The new document is available here: Claim for your employees’ wages through the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme: a step by step guide for employers