Contract awards continue upwards trend in September

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Contract awards continue upwards trend in September

The total value of construction contract awards in September was 21.2% higher than for August according to new data from Barbour ABI.

Expert analysis shows the total value of construction contract awards in September 2020 was £5.4 billion based on a three-month rolling average. This is 21.2% higher than for August and is also 13.8% higher than September 2019.

The UK construction intelligent services firm’s Quarterly analysis indicates that total construction contract awards were valued at £13.5 billion in Q3 2020. This is 47.1% higher than Q2 but is 8.4% lower than for Q3 2019.

Raw monthly data has seen a significant uplift in September to £6.0 billion which is an increase of 52.5% on the £3.9 billion in August. 

Residential maintains lead status

Barbour ABI indicates that residential maintained lead status in September accounting for 32.8% of awards.  Infrastructure was the second largest sector in September with an attributable share of 20.8% of awards. The commercial and retail sector was the third largest this month accruing 16.1% of the total.

Construction contracts awarded increase

Interestingly its regional analysis shows that London was the leading region in September with 22.6% of awards. The second largest region was the East of England with 13.7% of awards and was followed by the West Midlands which accounted for 11.0% of awards. 

Element of catch-up

Commenting on the figures, Tom Hall, Chief Economist at Barbour ABI and AMA Research said: “After 3 months of recovering activity, contract awards over July-September returned to pre-Covid 19 average levels. Given the size of the shock to the construction industry and the wider economy that is cause for celebration.

However, these numbers will contain an element of catch-up from the lost activity in April-June, so underlying activity is likely to be somewhat weaker than the headline numbers. The recovery so far has been evident more in the public and infrastructure sectors, with the commercially minded sectors remaining slightly subdued. With significant uncertainties remaining it will be  interesting to see how the situation evolves over the coming months” 

Download the full report here.

Major contractors picked for CITB management training fund

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Major contractors picked for CITB management training fund

The CITB has picked 38 winning bidders for its Leadership and Management Development Fund.

The £2.8m fund was set up to enable large levy registered firms to invest in developing the leadership, management or supervisory skills of their staff. It aims to support over 7,000 workers.

The competitive fund attracted numerous creative bids for in-house training programmes with requests to better understand the training needs of the organisation, or develop new approaches, as well as delivery. A number of successful bids will also develop programmes that work with supply chains.

The ‘areas for action’ vary amongst projects, ranging from recruitment and retention, to productivity improvement, and diversity. Those with a strong focus on the pandemic aim to ensure managers have good interpersonal skills to operate teams successfully in a remote environment, as well as the ability to adapt to short and long term changes in the future.

Others have turned their attention to talent retention and ways of addressing skills gaps to prepare for a post-Covid environment. This includes plans to equip managers with the skills and experience to effectively engage with new recruits and young people. Training will be delivered through a combination of coaching, workshops and e-learning.

Steve Radley, CITB Strategy and Policy Director, said: “This substantial investment will be hugely beneficial for companies as they start to get back on track and into recovery.

“It’s fantastic to see such a variety of innovative initiatives coming through, and I’m really pleased we’ve been able to support so many of them. I look forward to seeing them come to life in the coming months and delivering real impact across construction. We will review the impact of these programmes closely to identify key areas of leadership and management training that the Grants Scheme can support in the future.”

The full list of successful bids can be found here.

TRAD marks halfway point in University of Brighton build

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TRAD marks halfway point in University of Brighton build

TRAD Scaffolding Contractors has reached the halfway milestone on its £2M+ 18 month project at the University of Brighton.

TRAD Scaffolding Contractors (TRAD) has been working on several significant schemes recently with Bouygues Construction UK (BYUK), One of these is the construction of a new student residence on the Moulsecoomb campus, the University of Brighton’s single biggest campus, based in the north of the city.

The £160m+ project has a scaffold value in excess of £2m over a period of 18 months. Construction began in January 2020 and is anticipated to complete in June 2021, in time for the new cohort of students in September 2021.

TRAD is supplying a workforce of more than 20 operatives and onsite management which is headed up by its long standing and very experienced contracts Director Craig Hayes. During this large and fast-moving programme, the new build construction of five blocks of between 9 and 18 storeys will eventually utilise over 1,000 tonnes of equipment. 

“We have been commended by various levels of BYUK management on the quality, appearance and day to day control of the system scaffolding at the University of Brighton,” said a representative of Bouygues Construction UK. “We would like to extend our acknowledgement and thanks for the positive input, hard work and commitment shown thus far.”

The project has multiple cranes as you would expect over such a large site, and TRAD – able to use its expansive stock of system scaffold on the project – has also utilised site hoists to full effect. With no component more than 3m long, the scaffold is comfortably transported within a standard hoist cage size and takes the pressure off the cranes during inclement weather or when they are in use by the critical path RC frame contractors. Another time and crucial space saving item will be the 50 cantilevered loading platforms eventually to be erected on the project.

Each block is using the popular full height TRAD System Staircase during construction which fits snugly with the system scaffold. We are also using the TRAD Mini Catch Fans for erection and subsequent dismantle of the main independents. The lightweight and manually transferable mini catch fan which has been designed and developed by TRAD is proving its worth for both safety and speed as it follows up behind the scaffold build – both these products are readily available for hire and sale from TRAD UK depots across the country. 

To add to the complexity, each block has a large chamfered sloping corner, the potential difficulties of which have been overcome by TRAD using innovative design and development at an early stage whilst engaging fully with Bouygues UK, resulting in a stepped-in bridged beam access solution. This once again proves the adaptability and capability of its system scaffold.

University of Brighton vice-chancellor Professor Debra Humphris said: “We’re proud to be investing in the future of our university, making Brighton a great place to live, work and study. “The transformation of our Moulsecoomb campus is a vital part of this and will provide our students with access to modern accommodation, new teaching and learning spaces as well as new social and fitness facilities.” 

“We are delighted to be working on this important project for the University of Brighton – and for the city in general,” commented Craig Hayes, Contracts Director at TRAD Scaffolding. “This is a project in which we have invested a lot of time during concept and planning stages with our client, ensuring complex needs are met across a multi-building site and working within strict timescales and budgets. We look forward to completing the project successfully alongside our construction partners.”

How can Tube-Lock benefit your company?

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How can Tube-Lock benefit your company?

Tube-Lock® can revolutionize the way you are designing and erecting scaffolds. By combining simplicity and strength, Tube-Lock holds many benefits over traditional tube and fitting scaffolding.

Tube-Lock® tubes are regular 48,3mm scaffolding tubes, fitted with two cast iron Tube-Lock pieces. Because of the Tube-Lock ends, tubes can be connected with each other by a twisting motion, visibly locking them in place. No tools nor additional parts are required to make or secure the connection. 

This provides many advantages.

Because the two tubes can be joined by a twisting motion, it is a fast and easy way to connect tubes together. This leads to faster erection and dismantling times for the entire scaffold. 

Furthermore, no additional parts nor tools are needed. No longer needing sleeve couplers and joint pins means that there are no spare parts that need to be transported. Additionally, you don’t have to invest in sleeve couplers and joint pins as you no longer need them.

This also eliminates the risk of sleeve couplers breaking, getting lost or getting stolen. And you don’t have to service the sleeve couplers anymore. Tube-Lock connections are completely maintenance-free. 

Another logistical advantage is that Tube-Lock comes in standard lengths from 1 meter or 4ft up to 4 meters or 13ft. Because of this flexibility, it prevents the necessity of cutting the tubes to length. 

The maximum length of 4 meters means the maximum weight of a Tube-Lock tube is 16 kg. This leads to less strain on scaffolders, which is essential because of the strict Occupational Health and Safety regulations. 

Additionally, there is no need to stagger joints, Tube-Lock is as strong as a continuous tube. The connection may even be submitted to pull force. Using Tube-Lock tubes leads to a smooth tube connection over the full length of the tube. This makes it possible to use couplers anywhere on the tube. Even on the Tube-Lock connection. 

Van Thiel United Ltd. can make Tube-Lock tubes out of your (used) scaffolding tube!

In their innovative production facility, they can turn your (used) scaffolding tube to Tube-Lock tubes! This means you can update your own material without enormous investments. Even the repair of existing Tube-Lock stock is possible. And they now offer a special discount on the conversion of your scaffolding tube!

Have a look at www.thielscaffolding.com for more information, or contact [email protected] to hear more about all possibilities!

Site Operating Procedures updated to Version 6

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Site Operating Procedures updated to Version 6

Now in its sixth version, The Construction Leadership Council (CLC) has updated the Site Operating Procedures to reflect recent changes in Government guidance.

Whilst there are no significant changes to social distancing requirements on sites, the Construction Leadership Council (CLC) and Build UK have taken the opportunity to streamline the Site Operating Procedures document whilst maintaining the familiar format.

Changes to the Site Operating Procedures – Version 6 include:

  • Current requirements such as social distancing are referenced on page 1 making it easier to update in future
  • The CLC statement on The Use of Face Coverings is included
  • Updated guidance on shielding, self-isolation, testing and what to do if a worker develops  COVID-19 symptoms or has to self-isolate
  • Confirmation that canteens serving food must display an NHS QR Code
  • The wording has been reviewed throughout to reflect the fact that social distancing is no longer exceptional, and that in some key areas Government has published more detailed guidance or updated terminology.

Cases of coronavirus are increasing across all four nations, and sites are urged to remind the workforce of the importance of social distancing outside of work, in order to protect themselves and others and help keep construction sites open.

View and download the Site Operating Procedures – Version 6 here.

Construction Pay Freeze Could Lead to Industrial Action

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Construction Pay Freeze Could Lead to Industrial Action

Industrial discontent is looming in construction as out of touch employers impose a pay freeze on workers, says Unite.

Unite, the UK’s construction union, is warning that the prospect of industrial discontent on construction sites across the UK in the coming months has greatly increased, as a result of employers blocking a pay increase.

The problem involves the Construction Industry Joint Council (CIJC) agreement which affects the wages and conditions of over 500,000 construction workers, primarily those in civil engineering.

A pay increase was due in June but the employers’ side delayed making an offer and it was not until last week that they finally confirmed that they were imposing a pay freeze and refusing to make any improvements to the conditions workers receive through the agreement.

Unite national officer for construction Jerry Swain said: “This is a missed opportunity to reward construction workers in civil engineering for their hard work and commitment, the vast majority of whom have continued to work throughout the pandemic in very trying circumstances.

 “It appears that the employers’ side care very little for those who work in the industry and do not understand how the agreement works. The CIJC sets minimum pay rates and its refusal to increase these minimum rates will cause real hardship to some very low paid workers in construction.

“Construction workers ranging from the very highly skilled to those on poverty pay, right across the country will be left shocked and angry today to learn that their employers will be rewarding their hard work and dedication with a real terms pay cut.

“As we face the second wave of the pandemic and fresh lockdowns, construction workers will be all too aware that their employers are forcing them to go to work for less. 

Possible Strike Action

“Unite will now be consulting with local construction officers throughout the UK to identify the sites where workers wish to take local action to secure a pay increase that they thoroughly deserve.”

“This pay freeze calls into question the credibility of the CIJC agreement and its negotiating committee. This wage freeze was imposed by the representatives of small trade associations, with the ones wanting to pay the least calling the tune.

“They appear to have no grasp of reality or understanding that the majority of workers affected are operating on large sites where they have made this agreement largely irrelevant.

“The credibility of the agreement is now at an all-time low with many clients simply ignoring it as some of the rates are simply too low.

“If the agreement is to become relevant and fit for purpose then there needs to be radical reform on the employers’ side so that those who negotiate the agreement better understand the reality of working on a construction site and where the agreement needs to be in order to gain some credibility on those sites

“The rates in the CIJC are already far below those on other construction agreements and this pay freeze is set to make that unfair situation even worse.

HMRC warns IR35 changes are pressing ahead

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HMRC warns IR35 changes are pressing ahead

HMRC has warned construction firms this week to prepare for controversial changes to IR35 rules.

The HM Revenue & Customs has warned businesses to prepare for the controversial changes to off-payroll working rules known as IR35.

Earlier this year, HMRC delayed the introduction of IR35 for 12 months to help businesses and individuals deal with the economic impact of Covid. The construction industry had hoped the new rules would be again delayed but the latest warning from HMRC this week has put pay to that.

Industry experts from Hudson Contract have said the move will “go down like a lead balloon” with the current economic crisis contractors are facing due to Covid.

In its latest statement, HMRC said: “We recognise that businesses are facing difficult challenges due to Covid-19.

“HMRC is providing information and support now to ensure businesses have plenty of time to prepare for the changes coming into effect in April 2021.”

As it stands now the rules allow workers to be employed via a personal service company (PSC) which determines whether IR35 tax rules should apply.

The new rules are intended to make sure all workers pay broadly the same tax and National Insurance contributions.

Ian Anfield, managing director of Hudson Contract, said: “This announcement will go down like a lead balloon with companies and freelancers fighting for survival in a difficult trading environment with the constant imposition of new lockdown restrictions.

“In the best of times, businesses and freelancers found the HMRC guidance on IR35 difficult to follow, causing confusion and concern over liabilities.

“The latest set of guidance runs over hundreds of pages and invites companies to attend online seminars which HMRC plans to run between now and April next year.

“The confusion has created a vacuum for bad advice with so-called HR specialists and umbrella organisations offering services which could lead to incorrect and potentially damaging determinations for companies and freelancers alike.

“Freelancers could find themselves in the worst of all possible worlds, paying employer and employee taxes but without any of the benefits of actually being employed and their clients would face losing access to a valuable resource if they refuse the terms.

Former HSE Inspector joins No Falls Foundation

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Former HSE Inspector joins No Falls Foundation

Long-serving HSE Principal Inspector Ray Cooke has been appointed the No Falls Foundation’s first Health & Safety Advisor.

Ray joins the height safety Foundation after 35 years with HSE, latterly as HM Principal Inspector and Head of the Construction Sector Regulatory Support Team in the Building Safety and Construction Division. Joining HSE straight from university as a trainee inspector in 1985, Ray served in a number of increasingly senior positions in a variety of industry sectors, including shipbuilding, plastics, food, fairgrounds and, most recently, construction. Appointed a Principal Inspector in 1999, his roles have included, amongst others, advocating the UK’s policy position in Brussels regarding ATEX, the European Directive for protecting people in potentially explosive atmospheres, running HSE’s Operational Construction Team in the West Midlands, and developing training courses for a postgraduate diploma for HSE inspectors in conjunction with the University of Warwick. Since 2014 he has headed the HSE’s Regulatory Support Team helping and supporting inspectors and industry at large with guidance designed to ensure compliance with the law, including responsibility for HSE’s Working Well Together (WWT) campaign. At the Foundation he will initially focus on securing support for the implementation of the recommendations of the 2019 inquiry report of the All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) on Working at Height, in particular the need for enhanced RIDDOR reporting and the appointment of an independent body for the confidential reporting of near misses. Following his appointment, Ray said: “I have spent my entire career helping keep people safe at work. By accepting this post I hope to apply my experience and expertise, not just on a local and regional level, but nationally to help reduce injuries and fatalities in the work at height sector.”  Peter Bennett, chair of the trustees added: “We are naturally delighted to have Ray as the Foundation’s first Health & Safety Advisor. His enthusiasm, knowledge and commitment to height safety will undoubtedly prove invaluable to the future work of the charity”. The Foundation has recently updated its website with the introduction of a new Support Pack signposting a number of contacts and resources available to provide advice and assistance following a fall from height.

First scaffolding Trailblazer Assessments take place

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First scaffolding Trailblazer Assessments take place

Five scaffolding apprentices have become the first cohort in the UK to successfully complete their Scaffolding Trailblazer End Point Assessment (EPA) at NETA Training in Teesside. 

CISRS have said Michael Allan, an experienced CISRS instructor of JMA Contract Services, put the group through their paces over the 2-day assessment. The delegates had to successfully erect a small structure individually, erect a Truss out scaffold as part of a group and pass a scaffolding theory test.  They were required to read the drawings, work out materials lists and follow Risk Assessments and Methods Statements related to the exercises.  The End Point Assessments had originally been scheduled for the spring, but due to COVID they were unable to take place, CISRS said. But also as an External Quality Assurance (EQA) body had not been appointed until recent months. Mr Allan said: “Although this was the first-ever Scaffolding EPA, we have been carrying out Skills tests associated with the CISRS core scheme for many years, as such I was pretty confident the format would work.  “The lads were understandably a little nervous, particularly when they heard that CISRS Scheme Manager was coming to the Centre to see how things went, but they did well with both the individual and group structures and all them came through successfully.”

What is a Trailblazer End Point Assessment?

Once an apprentice has completed their apprenticeship programme, they are deemed to at  “the gateway” and they will be cleared to demonstrate their knowledge and capabilities in an assessment. The end-point assessment is conducted by a third party organisation and/or assessor that must be independent of the training provider. During the end-point assessment, the apprentice must show they can perform in their occupation in a fully competent, holistic and productive way. This will include a theory test, an basic individual task such and an independent or a tower plus also a larger structure to be completed as part of a team e.g. a Truss Out. The assessor must ensure that each member of the group is given the opportunity to lead operations and show their ability to read the drawings, work out materials and safely erect and dismantle the job.
Sean Johnston Commercial Training Manager for NETA said: “We are really pleased to have got the first group of Scaffolding Apprentices through their End Point Assessment, albeit a few months later than we had originally planned.  “We would like to thank Michael and JMA for a thoroughly professional job, I am sure the group are very pleased and possibly a little relieved to have successfully completed the programme. We hope they go onto to have a long, safe and successful career in scaffolding for years to come.”  The original Scaffolding apprenticeship Framework has been withdrawn in England as of September, as such all future apprentices will be following the trailblazer programme. There are three other End Point Assessment Organisations in place, which should ensure that providers across the country can achieve timely completions for their apprentice cohorts.  

Floating scaffolding system set for UK demo tour

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Floating scaffolding system set for UK demo tour

ScaffFloat the new safe floating scaffolding access system is going on tour across the UK.

As reported first by Scaffmag the ScaffFloat is an innovative new product that uses a set of tough plastic floats that have been specifically designed to integrate with standard scaffolding parts to make floating pontoons, rafts and versatile floating structures. Following a number of requests from contractors, utility companies, government agencies and private companies around the UK, the firm have planned a small demo tour to give people the chance to come and stand on an 8m x 4m demo pontoon. ScaffFloat says it will give them the opportunity to see how stable, strong and safe the system is and help them understand the range of solutions ScaffFloat and their Approved Installers can offer projects they have above, on or near the water that need safe floating access. Toby Budd, Founder and MD said “The timing is not ideal with COVID, but we have taken extensive precautions to keep risk to a minimum. The demos are outside, pre-booked online, and attendance is capped to five guests.” He added: “We appreciate that many people won’t be able to attend because of the COVID situation, but given the quality of enquiries we are getting, we feel on balance it is still worth going. When people stand on the pontoon they ‘get it’; it is so stable, safe and well made it’s something you really need to see in person to appreciate.’’ All of the demos are being jointly hosted by Approved Installers of the system: these are scaffold companies that are trained and approved to build pontoons and floating access with the ScaffFloat floats. These include a wide range of companies and include Centregreat, Hadley, Attridge, iScaff, TR, Kaefer, SRT & Tilbury with more joining each week, they said. The floats are designed to integrate with popular 450 & 750 lattice beams, and then use standard tube lengths, forged double couplers and scaffold boards. The smallest pontoons start at 4m x 4m and can scale to almost any size. Safety is key to the system, so all pontoons come with a full set of designs and calculations for buoyancy and stability produced by a Naval Architect. CAT 3 checks are also available if needed. For more information on tour dates visit: scafffloat.co.uk/demo/
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