Industry to carry on through latest national lockdown
Construction sites in England are set to stay open and fully operational during the latest lockdown that starts on Thursday.
Prime Minister Boris Johnson addressed the nation on Saturday evening to announce a four?week lockdown in England from this Thursday 5 November until Wednesday 2 December. The new restrictions include requiring people to stay at home except for specific purposes, not mixing with other households, and the closing of certain businesses and venues. The PM stated that Construction and manufacturing should stay open across all four nations. Build UK has said they advise sites to review their social distancing measures and remind the workforce of the importance of complying with the Site Operating Procedures ? Version 6 whilst on-site, as well as the new restrictions off-site to protect their family and colleagues.Working on Houses
Scaffolding firms and other tradespeople can also continue to work on and in people’s homes as long as both the worker and household members have no symptoms of coronavirus. Build UK’s Work Safe Safe Work Guide can be used to reassure householders. Hotels have also been told to remain open to provide accommodation for workers.Furlough Scheme Extended
The PM also announced that the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme is being extended for one month, with employees receiving 80% of their current salary for hours not worked, up to a maximum of £2,500. Under the extended scheme, employers will only have to pay National Insurance and pension contributions, with the Government paying the full 80% of wages, and details of how to claim will be available shortly. The Job Support Scheme, which was due to start on 1 November, has been postponed until the Job Retention Scheme ends.Top trainer launches Layher Scaffolding Apprenticeship Scheme
A leading scaffolding training firm has announced the introduction of a Layher scaffolding apprenticeship scheme.
SIMIAN the UK’s largest privately-owned scaffolding training provider has launched the new apprenticeship scheme following the increased exponential UK growth of the use of the Layher Allround system.
The Layher Allround system is widely regarded as one of the world’s premier modular scaffolding systems. Over the last few years, many UK firms have adopted the system converting from the traditional tube and fitting scaffolding.
Fully supported by Layher UK, SIMIAN say it’s apprenticeship scheme will start in early 2021 with candidates progressing to become qualified Layher Scaffolders in the early part of 2023.
In addition to the benefit of gaining a more skilled workforce, employers taking on a Layher apprentice could also benefit to the tune of as much as £2k per apprentice if signed up by 31 January 2021, as per the Government’s current apprentice employer’s incentive.
There is no upper age limit for apprentices, but employers of those aged over 25 will receive £1.5k per apprentice.
To launch the initiative, SIMIAN is hosting 2 apprentice assessment days, one in the North, at it’s Warrington Centre and one in the South, at their Waltham Forest centre.
- Warrington – 30 November 2020
- Waltham Forest – 03 December 2020
The assessment days will be used to provide information on how the scheme works on what the various parties can expect from one another, and to assess the suitability of candidates to enter the apprenticeship programme and will include an assessment of their ability in English and Maths
Speaking of the initiative, Simon Hughes, MD at Simian said: “We’re really pleased that our proposed Layher apprenticeship programme is starting to gain traction and it’s another very exciting addition to the scaffolding training courses that we deliver.
In terms of Layher, there will now be three routes to becoming qualified, and the apprenticeship programme will add to the existing traditional part one and two routes and the System Scaffold Product Training Scheme (SSPTS) route.
It’s vital that we get the support of Layher users for this initiative, so I’d like to personally ask Layher-using employers and would-be apprentices to consider this route. We’re very hopeful that the Government apprentice incentive scheme grant of up to *£2k per employee, in addition to any other grants that are payable, will encourage sign ups. This means that in addition to the financial benefit, employers will also receive the benefit of an upskilled workforce.”
Hadley Scaffolding expands into waste management
Access specialists Hadley Scaffolding have diversified after launching a commercial waste management venture.
Established in 1997, Hadley operates from its headquarters in Rochester and has depots in Avonmouth, Hastings and Salford. The firm has always played a particularly prominent role within the rail and road infrastructure sectors.
It’s recent rebranding as Hadley Group follows the decision to diversify into the commercial waste management sector.
Hadley’s Managing Director Carl Byford explained: “It’s just a sideline at this stage, and we’ve only assigned the single tipper-grab to the new venture so far. But we’re aiming to target a lot of the big builders to which we already supply scaffolding services, and are confident it represents a genuine opportunity to grow the business.”
The new venture comes after the firm commissioned its first tipper-grab, a 32-tonne Mercedes-Benz Arocs built for the manufacturer’s Work Ready programme.
Although the Kent-based operator runs a number of other Mercedes-Benz trucks, the latest are its first new-generation models. Innovative technology includes the camera-based MirrorCam system, which replaces conventional mirrors and represents a major safety breakthrough.
“We’ve put two experienced drivers on these new trucks and they’ve adapted to MirrorCam very quickly,” said Mr Byford. “Both have told me they prefer the cameras to mirrors, because they can see so much more.”
TRAD Temporary Stair Unit Improves Safety For Housebuilding Constructors
TRAD UK, the new brand for the combined TRAD Hire & Sales and TRAD Safety Systems companies, can supply contractors with a safe, useful internal staircase that’s ideal for housebuilding sites, where the staircase is often the final element to go into the building.
Used by customers in projects where access to the upper floors of the building is not available from an external scaffold, the stair is a single complete unit that’s light enough to be easily moved around the building and secure enough to keep workers safe whilst using it. Adjustable feet mean that the stairs are height-adjustable from 2.70m to 2.95m, allowing access to most modern floor heights and, with a weight limit of up to 150kg, the stairs have been tested to all relevant British and European standards, so can be used with confidence.
Developed with modern housebuilding techniques in mind, the TRAD Temporary Stair Unit is already in use across a range of housing development projects and offers scaffolding contractors the opportunity to provide additional services and equipment to clients – saving time and money in the process.
Non-slip internal stair improves efficiency and reduces on-site accidents
- Load capacity up to 150kg
- Non-slip surface assists grip
- Easily moved around construction site, utilising the integral forklift pockets
- Exceeds HSE Working at Height regulation requirements
- Easy installation by two operatives.
- 600mm tread width
- Range of height adjustment
“The TRAD Temporary Stair Unit allows scaffolding contractors to provide safe working environments inside buildings as well as outside,” says Derrick Quinn, TRAD’s Technical and Product Support Manager.
“This helps them to provide a wider range of services to their customers – whether they hire or buy. The stair is a single unit, with height adjustment available and an optional extended landing platform that allows the stair to achieve a greater span over voids in projects like town house construction.”
Man rushed to hospital following scaffolding fall
A man has been taken to hospital after falling from a scaffold in Glasgow city centre.
Police have confirmed a 33-year-old man was taken to Glasgow Royal Infirmary by ambulance following a fall from height that happened shortly before 8 am on Tuesday (27 October).
It’s still unknown of the man’s condition or if the man was working for the scaffolding company at the time of the incident.
A Police Scotland spokesman told local media: “At 7.45am on Tuesday officers were called to reports of a man falling from scaffolding in St Vincent Lane in Glasgow city centre.
A Scottish Ambulance Service spokesman said: “We received a call at 07.38 hours today to attend an incident at St Vincent Lane, Glasgow.
“We dispatched out special operations team, a paramedic response unit, one ambulance and a critical care paramedic to the scene.
“We transported one male patient in his 30s to Glasgow Royal Infirmary.”
Altrad bags 4-year nuclear decommissioning contract for Magnox
Altrad has been awarded the contract for the provision of support services, across six nuclear-decommissioning sites in the UK, from Magnox Limited.
The four-year contract, which commenced on the 19th October 2020, will encompass Altrad providing services at six of the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority (NDA) owned sites including; Chapelcross, Dungeness A, Hinkley A, Hunterston A, Trawsfynnydd and Wylfa nuclear power stations.
Altrad`s General Manager for the Magnox Estate, Kevin Williamson, commented: “We are delighted to have signed this performance-driven contract with our long-term client Magnox Limited, which demonstrates our ability to deliver sustainable value for our client, in a collaborative manner”.
The contract award builds upon a successful strategic relationship which spans back over fifteen years, during which time Altrad has delivered a range of services including access, asbestos removal, thermal insulation, environmental cleaning, corrosion protection, cladding and minor civil work – such that, on any one day, Altrad have around 140 talented people, delivering critical services on behalf of its client.
“Magnox Ltd are pleased to have awarded a framework contract with Altrad, for a further four-years and we look forward to working closely with them to support the delivery of our decommissioning programme in a safe and sustainable manner. Our contract objectives were wholly met by Altrad`s approach and their capability, which includes the introduction of further innovation and the delivery of greater efficiency that will be delivered across the NDA owned sites” said Steven Lock – FM Category Manager of Magnox Limited.
Altrad’s Managing Director, David Fitzsimons added, “The award of this contract marks another exciting milestone in Altrad`s long-term partnership with Magnox and reinforces our position as the market leader in the provision of support services to the UK`s nuclear decommissioning and power generation sectors. We are proud to support several other UK nuclear contracts at Sellafield, across the entire EDF generation fleet, at Hinkley C and at Capenhurst and Aldermaston – delivered by over 1,000 Altrad nuclear professionals”.
Chancellor increases financial support for businesses and workers
Rishi Sunak has unveiled a multibillion-pound package for business and workers.
The Chancellor today announced he will significantly increase the generosity and reach of his winter support schemes to ensure livelihoods and jobs across the UK continue to be protected in the difficult months to come, supporting jobs and helping to contain the virus.
In recognition of the challenging times ahead, the Chancellor said he would be increasing support through the existing Job Support and self-employed schemes, and expanding business grants to support companies in high-alert level areas.
This builds on agreements reached with Local Authorities moving to Alert Level very high, with extra support for businesses, jobs and the economic recovery.
Chancellor of the Exchequer Rishi Sunak said: “I’ve always said that we must be ready to adapt our financial support as the situation evolves, and that is what we are doing today. These changes mean that our support will reach many more people and protect many more jobs.
I know that the introduction of further restrictions has left many people worried for themselves, their families and communities. I hope the government’s stepped-up support can be part of the country pulling.”
Job Support Scheme (JSS)
When originally announced, the Job Support Scheme (JSS) – which will come into effect on 1 November – saw employers paying a third of their employees’ wages for hours not worked, and required employers to be working 33% of their normal hours.
Today’s announcement reduces the employer contribution to unworked hours to just 5%, and reduces the minimum hours requirements to 20%, so those working just one day a week will be eligible. That means that if someone was being paid £587 for their unworked hours, the government would be contributing £543 and their employer only £44.
Employers will continue to receive the £1,000 Job Retention Bonus.
Self-employed grant
Today’s announcement increases the amount of profits covered by the two forthcoming self-employed grants from 20 per cent to 40 per cent, meaning the maximum grant will increase from £1,875 to £3,750.
This is a potential further £3.1 billion of support to the self-employed through November to January alone, with a further grant to follow covering February to April.
Business Grants
The Chancellor has also announced approved additional funding to support cash grants of up to £2,100 per month primarily for businesses in the hospitality, accommodation and leisure sector who may be adversely impacted by the restrictions in high-alert level areas. These grants will be available retrospectively for areas who have already been subject to restrictions, and come on top of higher levels of additional business support for Local Authorities moving into Tier 3 which, if scaled up across the country, would be worth more than £1 billion.
These grants could benefit around 150,000 businesses in England, including hotels, restaurants, B&Bs and many more who aren’t legally required to close but have been adversely affected by local restrictions nonetheless.
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.
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
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.
