100 Trainees benefit from new Swansea scaffolding centre

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100 Trainees benefit from new Swansea scaffolding centre

More than 100 learners have passed through the CITB’s new Welsh scaffolding centre in its first three months.

The £1.5 million scaffolding centre, at the Construction Wales Innovation Centre in Swansea, has both trained students looking to move into the sector and provided a temporary staff welfare hub during the Covid-19 pandemic. Gareth Wyn Evans, Centre Manager from the Construction Wales Innovation Centre, said: “CWIC’s activities have already supported hundreds of employers in the construction industry across Wales. Our unique partnership is delivering world-class training and bespoke programmes for this hugely important sector to the Welsh economy. “The new scaffolding academy provides access to leading facilities and expertise and it now gives welsh employers the confidence to develop their employees and to recruit new entrants into the industry.” Gareth Williams, CITB’s standards and qualifications policy manager for Wales, said: “This new centre provides training for the essential skills needed to fulfil the ambitious programme of development that due to be completed in Wales over the next few years. The construction industry in Britain needs a quarter of a million new recruits in the next five years, and with scaffolding being among those critical skills, this centre will help to meet that need, also ensuring that students can train locally rather than having to cross the border to England. “The centre opened during the pandemic, and with construction a key sector it was important that CITB, CWIC and our partners maintain training and continued preparing people for a career in the industry. Despite the lockdown, there have been a lot of applicants to train and plenty of enquiries from people looking to pursue a rewarding career in construction.” Prior to opening, the centre acted as a staff administration and welfare hub for the Swansea Bay Field Hospital, being fitted with welfare pods to allow staff some welcome space to eat and rest while providing critical healthcare at the height of the Coronavirus pandemic. Since opening in October, some 27 apprentices have completed their studies at the centre, along with 36 students looking to further their studies in the field. With many more students currently working towards their commercial scaffolding qualifications, it is expected that around 350 students will pass through the centre in its first year. While the centre is currently for the training of apprentices and professional continuing their development, this Spring will see the launch of a “Get into Scaffolding” initiative which will support those looking to change careers, including those who have lost their jobs due to the Covid-19 pandemic, with funded training and work opportunities.  

200 Jobs secured as Bilfinger wins Stanlow Refinery contract

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200 Jobs secured as Bilfinger wins Stanlow Refinery contract

Bilfinger UK has won a substantial six-year maintenance contract with Essar Oil UK at its Stanlow Refinery, providing work for 200 employees.

The “major” six-year contract with an undisclosed value will see Bilfinger carry out a range of services across facilities at the Stanlow site in Ellesmere Port, Cheshire. The services will include access scaffolding, mechanical, electrical and instrumentation, insulation, painting, and asbestos management and removal. The refinery plays a strategic role in the UK economy, supplying 16% of all road transport fuels. It is also a major regional employer with over 900 staff, an additional 800 on-site contractors and a further 5,000 people employed indirectly through the extended supply chain. Bilfinger UK said they have successfully provided multi-discipline project & turnaround services to Essar Oil UK for many years, and this strategic decision to also award the Maintenance & Projects contract to Bilfinger UK is a testament to the exceptional work and safety performance delivered by the site team. Phill Maurer, Managing Director at Bilfinger UK, said: “This six-year agreement is testament to the exceptional work and safety performance delivered by the site team and represents a significant addition to our portfolio of support partnerships at major facilities across the UK. This award comes after many months of working with Essar Oil UK to understand the vision they have for the Stanlow refinery and aligning the global capabilities of our business with the maintenance and engineering needs they have at the site.” Jon Barden, Chief Operating Officer at Stanlow Oil Refinery, added: “I welcome Bilfinger UK as our lead partner for the delivery of mechanical, scaffolding, insulation, painting and electrical and instrumentation services at the Stanlow and Tranmere locations. We look forward to developing a successful long term relationship where both parties work collaboratively to deliver improvements in our collective safety and business performances to benefit our respective employees and owners.”  Bilfinger UK employs 4,000 employees in the UK, and approximately 200 employees will be dedicated to maintenance and projects services for Essar Oil UK.

Altrad eyes 75% growth in UK & Ireland by 2026

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Altrad eyes 75% growth in UK & Ireland by 2026

Altrad aspires to become a business of scale aiming to be 75% larger by 2026 according to its new bold growth-driven strategy launched today.

In today’s global, digitally connected market, sector convergence sets industries and organisations on a collision course – revealing both opportunities and threats in the shape of new markets, broader capabilities, technologies and competitive behaviours. Peter Hughes, Altrad’s Director of Business Development & Strategy said “Our markets are changing faster than at any time in our lifetime, driven by growing concern over climate change, the energy transition and rapidly advancing digital technology. So, it will come as no surprise to hear that our growth-driven agenda requires us to continually evolve, as our markets and sectors change – but of course, delivering transformational growth requires courage and ingenuity – characteristics that typify Altrad and its people”. February 2021 appears to be an exciting milestone for Altrad, as they launch their new Altrad 2026 strategy – ‘It all begins with a desire to create a better tomorrow’.  In 2026, Altrad aspire to become a business of scale – aiming to be 75% larger than they are today. Their journey is to become more diversified in terms of the services they provide and the markets they serve, providing enhanced value to their clients and enriched growth opportunities for their people. Altrad intends to acquire businesses and form new strategic partnerships with like-minded companies that share their excitement, vision and values. In addition, Altrad have also committed to a range of corporate social responsibility (CSR) and environmental performance targets – which includes becoming carbon neutral by 2030 or sooner. “Unlike many of our peers, who work tirelessly on their strategies, and then keep them locked away – we have adopted a very different approach. Our approach is bold – so our strategy is publicly available to everyone via our web site at Our Approach | Altrad Services UK. We’re committed to delivering our growth-driven agenda and moving our strategy from ‘excitement into execution’ such that our strategy is a feature of our daily life – and everyone, including our competitors – can see and measure our progress” added Hughes. It’s fair to say that Altrad has set out a bold growth driven strategy, and only time will tell if this approach succeeds – but given their track record and the confidence in their messaging – it might not be the wisest choice to bet against them.

Chancellor urged again to withdraw Reverse Charge VAT plan

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Chancellor urged again to withdraw Reverse Charge VAT plan

A campaign calling on the Government to withdraw the implementation of Reverse Charge VAT is gathering pace after it was revealed it could cause a cash-flow crisis across the construction industry.

Over 150,000 businesses within the construction industry are set to see a 20% drop in cash flow when the planned VAT changes come into force on the 1st March. Many have said the impact of this could scupper the construction-led economic COVID recovery. As previously reported in January the largest industry organisations and trade bodies supported a letter calling on the Government to scrap its VAT changes for construction. Now the Construction Leadership Council (CLC) which represents the whole construction industry has taken the lead on again urging the Chancellor Rishi Sunak to withdraw the impending changes. In a letter to the Chancellor, chairman of the CLC, Andy Mitchell wrote: “Despite the Government’s support, our industry remains in extremely challenging times as we continue to adapt to ongoing Covid-19 rules, mitigate the impact of Brexit and prepare for the forthcoming implementation of rule changes on IR35 and the Construction Industry Scheme. It is also important to note that by continuing to operate the industry has suffered a serious financial impact as a result of project delays and costs incurred in adapting working practices. This has resulted in many contractual disputes which our monitoring suggests are currently growing and which will accelerate further still. We are currently quantifying the impact; however, it is reasonable to assume that without further financial support many companies will become insolvent.” Referring to the Withdrawal of Reverse Charge VAT, Andy Mitchell added: “The implementation of Reverse charge VAT in April will restrict cashflow in our industry, especially to the smallest firms, at an extremely critical financial period for many businesses. This policy risks reversing any recovery industry has made from Covid-19 and will limit the scope for protecting and creating jobs across the UK. As such, we call for the legislation to be withdrawn to help secure an economic recovery for the long term.” The CLC hopes the forthcoming Spring Budget on the 3rd March will see Rishi Sunak make an announcement on Reverse Charge VAT and hopefully a change of direction. See the full letter here: https://www.constructionleadershipcouncil.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/Letter-to-Rishi-Sunak-MPChancellor-of-the-Exchequer-from-the-co-Chair-of-the-CLC_26-January-2021.pdf

Charity publishes support pack for workers who fall from height

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Charity publishes support pack for workers who fall from height

UK charity launches free support pack helping people affected by a fall from height.

THE NO FALLS FOUNDATION, the UK charity dedicated to preventing falls from height and helping people affected by the life-changing consequences of a fall, has published a Support Pack signposting organisations and resources that can provide advice and assistance following a fall from height in the workplace. It also includes details of the charity’s Ambassadors who have all faced the aftermath and consequences of a fall and are available to provide advice and guidance to anyone experiencing the traumatic affects of a fall and wondering what to do next. The free pack covers a wide range of topics, including:
  • What to do immediately;
  • What financial assistance may be available;
  • How to begin a personal injury claim;
  • Support with transport and home adaptations;
  • Using the No Falls befriending service;
  • Organisations that can help with issues of mental health.
For those who have experienced the loss of a loved one as a result of a fall from height, the pack also provides details of those organisations that can offer help and support. Comments the charity’s manager, Hannah Williams: “What should have been a perfectly normal day has ended in a potentially life-shattering accident. What do you do now? Who can you turn to? What help is available? The pack attempts to answer these questions and provides contact details for the Foundation.” The No Falls Foundation also publishes a bi-monthly e-newsletter Saving Lives which contains details of all the latest news and developments at the charity. You can sign up at www.nofallsfoundation.org

Jobs boost for Brits in construction sector Brexit bounce back

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Jobs boost for Brits in construction sector Brexit bounce back

A third of construction companies expect to provide more jobs for British workers as the sector rises to challenges presented by Brexit and Covid-19.

CITB’s annual Migration Survey showed while there are challenges ahead for the sector which is set to grow by a quarter of million workers in the next four years, British construction is a robust industry which is well provide more opportunities for British workers, as the number of migrant workers falls. Among the findings were that 41% of employers will look to increase the skills of British workers, almost a third (30%) will provide more permanent jobs for Brits, a quarter (24%) will increase minimum salaries, and 16% will look to take on more local apprentices. While employers reported a fall in the number of migrant employees, there was a rise in the number of self-employed migrants working for the industry. While only 16% of companies expect that issues with migrant workers not remaining in the UK will impact their firm, almost three-quarters (72%) expect it to impact on the sector, with a quarter (27%) anticipating a serious impact. CITB will work with construction companies to help them meet these challenges and realise the opportunities created, while ensuring employers understand the implications of the new system Brexit and can fill any skills gaps accordingly by working in partnership with Government to ensure the right training for those entering the industry. Steve Radley, Director of Strategy and Policy at CITB, said: “Construction faces a number of challenges over the next few years, among them declining numbers of migrant workers, as Covid has seen more workers leave the country and with a new tighter migration system Employers expect to provide more jobs for British workers but for some occupations and employers, this is already proving challenging with order books growing, particularly in housing and infrastructure. The government has made some important commitments such as reforming FE, introducing construction traineeships and increasing access to unused apprenticeship levy funding. It’s vital that we work together to ensure these deliver the skills construction needs. It’s also critical that employers understand the new points-based system and have confidence it will respond quickly where there are pressures on key skills. CITB will support the sector in meeting the challenges of Covid-19 and Brexit with investments over the next five years including 28,000 taster experiences of construction, 19,000 on site experiences to help prepare students, working with government on a new construction traineeship to get more FE learners into jobs and apprenticeships and increasing the number of apprentices completing their training. While the report showed that most employers reported no change in their number of migrant workers over the last year, 13% reported a fall in employing them, and only 2% a rise. The largest fall (41%) was among those employing non-UK workers indirectly (ie. self-employed). Just over a tenth of the construction workforce are migrants, with the proportion falling from 10.7% in 2018 to 10.2% – a drop of about 5% in two years – with most coming from the EU. The number of employers dependent on migrant workers has fallen slightly (from 15% in 2019 to 13%). While those directly employing migrants (ie. as staff) fell by 11%, the number of firms indirectly employing migrants rose by the same number. One concerning trend was the lack of understanding among companies of how post-Brexit settlement empowers them to retain staff, with less than one in ten (9%) saying they understood it well. The chief reasons for this included a primary focus on Covid-19, the belief that their firm will not suffer due to a low number of migrant workers, and waiting for further clarity on Brexit and preparing to act afterwards.

Scaffolding Association hits another milestone

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Scaffolding Association hits another milestone

The UK’s largest trade association for access and scaffolding businesses has reached another milestone after announcing its 100th Audited Member.

The Scaffolding Association, which recently reached an overall membership figure of 500 companies, continues to grow as more and more scaffolding businesses join.

The trade body says it’s Audited Membership is the highest level available, developed in line with PAS91 specifically for scaffolding contractors who work to the strictest safety standards, display the utmost professionalism and support the association’s mission to raise standards across the sector.

The title of 100th Audited Member has been achieved by Globe Scaffolding (Cambridge) Ltd, a business with over 30 years experience and one of the most highly respected independent scaffolding contractors in their area.

Neil Thacker, Managing Director of Globe Scaffolding (Cambridge) Ltd said: “As a large, ambitious, growing contractor, based on a strong code of ethics, we are always looking to improve. We feel that membership of the Scaffolding Association is the best way to achieve this aim.

Clients recognise Audited status as a benchmark for quality and professionalism, meaning that we can be considered for more projects that will enhance our skillsets, reinforce our reputation and grow our revenue streams. We’re also keen to give something back to the sector and will support the association’s drive to improve safety, training and work opportunities for all.”

Robert Candy, Chief Executive of the Scaffolding Association, is delighted with this latest landmark: “It isn’t easy to attain Audited Membership status – the qualification criteria are extremely robust – so Globe Scaffolding (Cambridge) Ltd and the other 99 companies can rightly be proud of their achievements. They represent some of the best in the access and scaffolding sector, and their efforts, excellence and expertise will be rewarded as more and more clients accept Scaffolding Association members onto their tender lists.

We look forward to supporting all our members in these challenging times, and working together to secure a successful future for all.”

According to the trade body, the organisation saw a 30% increase in its membership numbers in 2020. It offers a framework that allows businesses to progress at all stages in their growth and development. 

Hero scaffolders save woman dangling from bridge

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Hero scaffolders save woman dangling from bridge

Two Hull scaffolders have been dubbed hero’s after saving the life of a woman dangling from a flyover bridge.

Scaffolders Jordan Ness, 21, and Jay Shaw, 20, stopped traffic and rushed to the woman’s aid after she was seen walking along the outside of Hull’s Daltry Street flyover. The duo were driving along Hessle Road towards the flyover when they saw the woman. The pair pulled over in their truck with Jordan making a dash to the woman’s aid, reports HullLive. “I sprinted up there,” said Jordan. “I grabbed hold of her arm and she was dangling off the bridge so I was lucky to have got to her. “I had to pull her up and wrap my hands around her waist. I held on to her for about ten to 15 minutes.” Meanwhile, Jay was stopping traffic down below to warn other drivers before he made his way up to help his friend save the woman’s life. Jordan, from east Hull, added: “Luckily, my friend Jay got there in time as I probably would have let go of her.” Jay said: “I just noticed her and pulled over and tried to stop a bit of traffic and luckily someone chipped on to what was going on and people got out of their cars. “Jordan was holding her for ages. Thankfully, a lorry driver pulled up underneath the bridge to make the fall smaller and someone pulled up on the bridge who was a paramedic.” Jordan and Jay stayed with the woman on the bridge for 45 minutes to make sure she was okay. “I calmed her down and said I’m here to talk,” said Jordan. “I was holding her hand to comfort her and Jay was talking to her making her feel better. “The emergency services managed to get there really quickly. It was absolutely traumatising and heartbreaking.” “It was not nice to see,” Jay added. “Regardless of who it was.” A spokesperson from Humberside Police said: “Officers responded to an incident on the Daltry Street flyover on the A63 just before 5pm on Wednesday, January 27. “The incident was brought to a safe conclusion and the road was reopened.”    

JDC Scaffolding & UKSSH look smart in Kensington

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JDC Scaffolding & UKSSH look smart in Kensington

Working closely with UK System Scaffold Hire, JDC Scaffolding developed an innovative gantry design which used HAKI Tripods to minimise disruption in Kensington High Street.

Even with the reduced footfall and lower traffic levels created by Covid-19, scaffolding an iconic building in Kensington High Street poses major challenges, including the need to minimise impact on pedestrian traffic and the requirement to ensure that store windows and access routes are not obstructed, not to mention the fact that the scaffolding has to be erected during night-time possessions.

JDC Scaffolding were responsible for erecting the scaffold on what was formerly Barkers Department store – one of the most iconic buildings in the Kensington Square Conservation Area. Contracted by PAYE Stonework and Restoration Ltd who were undertaking extensive refurbishment of the spectacular Grade II* listed Art Deco façade, JDC Scaffolding knew exactly how to fulfil the brief.

Working closely with UK System Scaffold Hire, JDC Scaffolding developed an innovative gantry design which used HAKI Tripods to span over the existing lightweight canopy and support double width access scaffold above.

Tripods helped achieve huge time savings

Each single tripod could carry a permissible load of 60Kn which reduced enormously the amount of scaffolding that had to be used at street level: This had multiple benefits as Adam Callow, Design Manager at JDC Scaffolding explains: “Using the HAKI tripods helped us to achieve huge time savings compared with using tube and fittings. It also enabled the pavement to be kept open throughout the project (even allowing the free movement of mobility scooters) and also providedclear visibility of display windows while work was progressing.”

Adam also praised UK System Scaffold Hire’s approach to the project: “UKSSH were fully on board with the project from day one: They understood the requirements from a technical perspective, they responded to our needs for accurate and on time delivery to comply with our night-time possessions and they integrated their skill sets with our overall design which involved utilising tube and fittings once the 10 metre high Tripod element  had provided the foundation for a working gantry above the building’s decorative canopy. The result is a project that we can all be proud of.”

Quarter-million workers receive CITB training as pandemic loomed

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Quarter-million workers receive CITB training as pandemic loomed

CITB supported the training of nearly a quarter of a million construction workers in the last financial year, according to newly published accounts.

The annual report, laid before Parliament on 28 January 2021, shows that in the 12-month period ending 31 March 2020 more than 15,000 construction employers and over 20,000 apprentices were supported by CITB. CITB provided direct funding for training of £105.1m to employers through the Grants Scheme, the Skills and Training Fund and Training Groups of which £76.9m was received by small, micro or medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). An additional £28.8m was invested in specific projects, benefiting firms of all sizes.  Sarah Beale, CITB Chief Executive, said: “In 2019-20 we provided funding to over 15,000 construction employers which funded the training of around 245,000 of their employees, the vast majority from SMEs. “So much has changed in the past year that it now seems a long time ago. Construction, like all industries, underwent unprecedented upheaval due to the pandemic, and CITB immediately took action to support industry.  “Now starting to stabilise since the pandemic began we’re tackling the skills challenges of Net Zero and Brexit with a new generation of home-grown talent, while new technologies and modern methods of construction can help industry recover stronger and more sustainable than ever.”   The accounts show that 25 Construction Skills Fund (CSF) hubs trained 13,200 people to become site-ready for employment in the industry. An Immersive Learning commission saw dozens of employers participating through supply chains, an example being BAM Nuttall using handheld tablets to improve memory retention and streamline site induction teaching. CITB supported the creation of 4,528 new apprenticeships and provided ongoing support for 15,844 with an investment of £35.3m, part funded via ESFA, Welsh Government and Skills Development Scotland. Apprenticeship grants were offered to industry employers, with £48.8m provided in 2018-19 compared to £61m in 2019-20, an increase of 25%. Last year the national COVID-19 response initially shut down most construction sites, with reopening in accordance with strict safety measures. CITB enabled apprenticeship attendance grants to be paid in advance to employers, and contacted over 11,000 apprentices to provide support through the pandemic – just 2.5% ended up being made redundant, with half of those going on to start a new construction apprenticeship. On 1 April the Skills and Training Fund was expanded to include medium-sized employers as well as small- and micro-sized. A Leadership and Management Fund for large levy-registered businesses was developed shortly afterwards, ultimately approving 38 bids worth £2.8million to support more than 7,000 workers. To aid cashflow for employers, CITB suspended levy collection for five months and halved the amount due for 2021-22. To maintain service, CITB depleted its reserves and a £10million loan was secured from the Department for Education. Further cost control measures included a staff restructure and further reduction in operational size, in addition to previous programmes. MB Roche & Sons Ltd is one of the many SMEs to fund training through CITB. Daniel Roche, Company Director, said: “Upskilling means we are able to access tendering processes which companies with lesser qualified operatives can’t. A fully trained workforce is more engaged, efficient and productive and makes sound business sense.” CITB’s 2019-20 accounts took longer to prepare due to COVID-19, a restructure and systems change. The next corporate business plan will be published in the spring. Read the Annual Report and Accounts 2019-20
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