A specialist construction company has been fined £60,000 following the death of a worker who fell from a church steeple in Birmingham.David Clover, 64, was employed by Ecclesiastical Steeplejacks Ltd to perform restoration work on the 60-metre-high steeple of St Nicholas’ Church, Kings Norton, on 13 November 2020. While suspended in a ‘bosun’s chair,’ a work positioning seat, he fell and suffered fatal injuries.An investigation by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) revealed that the bosun’s chair lacked a suitable backup system, such as a twin-leg lanyard fall arrest harness, to prevent falls.The company, which has since ceased trading but was previously based in Stirchley, Birmingham, pleaded guilty to breaching the Work at Height Regulations 2005. Image credit: HSEThe hearing, held at Birmingham Magistrates’ Court on 15 January 2025, resulted in a £60,000 fine.In sentencing, Judge Quereshi criticised the firm’s outdated approach to managing health and safety, highlighting the preventable nature of the incident.HSE inspector Emma Page expressed condolences to Mr Clover’s family and emphasised the ongoing risks associated with working at height. “Falls from height remain one of the leading causes of work-related deaths and injuries in Great Britain. We will take action against companies that fail to protect workers.”Statistics from the HSE show that 50 people died from falls at height in 2023/24. Updated guidance on mitigating these risks is available on the HSE’s website.This prosecution was conducted by HSE enforcement lawyer Julian White and paralegal officer Imogen Isaac.
The JMAC Group has issued an official statement regarding the severe damage caused to a temporary roof at the Sands Centre in Carlisle during last week’s Storm Éowyn. The structure, installed by JMAC, was severely impacted by the storm’s hurricane-force winds, which tore through the region on Friday, causing widespread disruption.The directors of JMAC Group emphasised that, crucially, no injuries occurred during the incident. The company is now prioritising the safety and integrity of the site as it works in close collaboration with the client to remove the damaged roof and facilitate the reopening of the Sands Centre.“Our priority as a board is to ensure the integrity and safety of the project,” JMAC stated. “We are working closely with the client to ensure the roof can be safely removed to allow for the reopening of the Sands Centre.”JMAC has initiated a comprehensive investigation into the incident, with a commitment to uncovering the factors that led to the failure of the temporary roof structure.According to the board, the company intends to share its findings with industry peers to help prevent similar incidents in the future.“We are committed to conducting comprehensive investigations which have started today.We aim to share learnings with peers and our industry to prevent any reoccurrence of such incident,” the statement added.The incident at the Sands Centre has prompted a broader discussion about the resilience and safety of temporary structures under extreme weather conditions. JMAC Group’s transparent approach and willingness to share insights have been met with support from across the construction and scaffolding industry.JMAC concluded its statement by expressing appreciation for the understanding and support it has received from industry colleagues. It pledged to provide regular updates as the investigation progressed.The Sands Centre remains closed while repair work is carried out, and further updates on its reopening are expected in the coming days.
The Lighthouse Charity, dedicated to supporting the construction industry’s workforce and their families, has delivered record-breaking levels of assistance in 2024, reflecting its pivotal role in promoting wellbeing across the sector.Over the past year, the charity provided £4.98 million in charitable support to 5,695 families through its free, confidential helpline and live web chat service. Alongside emotional and financial aid, the organisation also delivered 5,712 meals and facilitated 5,756 counselling sessions to help individuals navigate personal and professional challenges.The charity’s #MakeItVisible initiative continued its impactful outreach, focusing on vulnerable frontline workers. In 2024, the team visited 572 construction sites, engaging directly with more than 28,000 site workers. Crucially, they intervened in 88 cases where workers expressed suicidal thoughts, successfully preventing potential tragedies through conversation and ongoing support.Reflecting on the charity’s achievements, Sarah Bolton, CEO of the Lighthouse Charity, highlighted the challenges the construction sector faced in 2024. “This support was delivered against another challenging year, with the construction sector being one of the worst hit for company insolvencies,” she said. “The rising cost of materials and the cost of living have added additional pressure on our construction community.”She continued, “The important thing is that people know about us and are reaching out for help. Whether it’s supporting someone through illness or injury, ensuring there’s a meal on the table, or simply offering a listening ear, the message is simple: If you’re struggling, help is here.”Bolton praised the construction community for its role in enabling the charity’s life-changing work, from fundraising events to corporate support and spreading awareness through supply chains.Looking ahead to 2025, the charity is committed to expanding its services further. “Our work is continuous, and we are looking forward to extending the support we offer even further in 2025,” Bolton said.The Lighthouse Charity’s efforts underline the importance of prioritising wellbeing in an industry often defined by its physical and emotional demands. With its unwavering commitment, the charity has not only set new records in support but also provided a lifeline to thousands in need.
An investigation is underway after a temporary roof spanning 36 metres over The Sands Centre in Carlisle was torn apart by Storm Éowyn’s hurricane-force winds.The incident occurred on Friday (24 January) as the storm battered Ireland, Northern Ireland, and Scotland, bringing up to 100mph gusts.The huge temporary roof was installed as part of the venue’s repair works, which had been addressing structural issues involving Reinforced Autoclaved Aerated Concrete (RAAC). The ferocious winds overwhelmed the structure, but fortunately, no injuries were reported.
Ryan Payne, Operations Director at JMAC Group—the company responsible for the roof and scaffolding works on site—addressed the incident on social media, stating, “This is our roof, and myself and the fellow Directors will be sharing everything from cradle to grave in terms of investigation on how this occurred and how we can prevent it reoccurring in the industry in the future.” He added that industry leaders are involved in the ongoing investigation, and updates will be provided in the coming weeks.Storm Éowyn has been described as one of the most intense weather events to hit the region in decades, leaving a trail of destruction across parts of the UK and Ireland. The storm’s violent winds caused widespread disruption, with fallen trees, damaged buildings, and power outages reported.In the wake of the incident, industry experts are likely to scrutinise the design, installation, and maintenance of temporary roofing structures to ensure lessons are learned and similar occurrences are prevented in the future.The JMAC Group has expressed gratitude for the messages of support received and emphasised that safety remains their top priority.How the impressive structure looked before the stormAs the investigation progresses, the company aims to provide transparency and share findings to help improve standards across the industry.The Sands Centre, a major venue in Carlisle, remains closed as repair works continue.We have reached out to JMAC Group for an official comment but are awaiting their response.
The 2025 Scaffold Builders Championship has come to an exciting close at the Las Vegas Convention Center, with Scaffold Resource, Inc. taking home the top prize in a thrilling display of scaffolding excellence.The competition, hosted by the Scaffold & Access Industry Association (SAIA) and supported by AT-PAC during the World of Concrete (WOC) trade show, showcased the unmatched skill, teamwork, and precision of scaffolding professionals from across the industry.After a full day of intense competition, Scaffold Resource emerged victorious, impressing the judges with their speed, accuracy, and adherence to safety protocols. Leading Edge Scaffold claimed a well-deserved second place, while Bechtel Equipment Operations, Inc. rounded out the podium in third.“It’s an incredible feeling to win,” said the team captain from Scaffold Resource. “This competition is about showcasing the best of the scaffolding trade, and we’re honoured to be a part of it. Every team here brought their A-game, and we’re proud to represent the industry at its highest level.”
A Celebration of Talent
The competition featured 18 elite teams from around the U.S., including Apex Access Systems and even UK-based JMAC Scaffolding Limited and Revolution Industrial. All of them demonstrated their expertise in building and dismantling complex scaffolding structures under strict time constraints. Judged by a panel of industry experts, teams were evaluated on precision, safety, teamwork, and overall efficiency.“This wasn’t just about speed—it was about doing it right,” said one of the judges. “The level of professionalism and skill we saw today was remarkable.”
An Industry Highlight
Held during the prestigious World of Concrete trade show, the championship provided a global platform for scaffolding professionals to shine. With thousands of construction and masonry professionals attending, the competition brought much-needed attention to the critical role scaffolders play in the global construction industry.“It was amazing to see scaffolders getting the recognition they deserve,” said one attendee. “The level of skill and coordination involved in what they do is incredible. Watching this live really highlights how essential they are to construction projects worldwide.”
More Than Just a Competition
Beyond the contest, the event celebrated scaffolding as a trade. SAIA and AT-PAC will also host educational presentations and product demonstrations throughout the week, giving attendees a glimpse into the latest innovations and safety practices shaping the industry.“Every team here is a winner,” said SAIA President Mike Bredl. “This competition is about elevating the scaffolding profession and showcasing the talent that makes construction safer and more efficient. We’re incredibly proud of everyone who participated.”
Looking Ahead
As the 2025 Scaffold Builders Championship wraps up, SAIA is already gearing up for next year’s event, aiming to make the competition even better with a live stream for viewers worldwide. For now, Scaffold Resource has the title and bragging rights, but the camaraderie and celebration of skill have left a lasting impression on everyone involved.For more information about the competition and future SAIA events, visit their website or follow them on social media.
The construction sector is grappling with one of the largest worker shortages in the UK, with 16% of businesses reporting a lack of skilled labour, according to new research by money.co.uk.This ranks construction second only to the accommodation and food service industry, where nearly a quarter of businesses face staffing challenges.The findings, based on ONS data, reveal that construction is part of a broader national trend of labour shortages, which are affecting industries crucial to the UK economy.The research highlights a growing crisis for construction firms, long burdened by difficulties in attracting and retaining skilled workers.
Challenges of an Ageing Workforce and Limited Diversity
An ageing workforce and insufficient recruitment of younger talent are significant factors contributing to the construction shortage. The industry also continues to struggle with diversity, remaining predominantly male-dominated. This lack of representation creates additional barriers to drawing in new talent from broader demographics, compounding the recruitment crisis.
Expert Advice on Addressing the Skills Gap
Kyle Eaton, an expert in business bank accounts at money.co.uk, emphasises the importance of proactive measures to address the skills gap. He outlines several strategies to help construction firms attract and retain skilled workers:
Build a Strong Employer Brand – Companies can attract top talent by cultivating a reputation as an excellent workplace. Showcasing company culture, values, and development opportunities via social media, job fairs, and industry events is crucial.
Develop Apprenticeship and Internship Programs – Partnering with educational institutions to create hands-on learning opportunities can establish a steady pipeline of skilled workers and nurture talent early.
Enhance Onboarding Processes – Structured onboarding programs that include training in policies, culture, and job-specific skills can help new employees integrate more effectively. Providing mentors can also support new hires in their roles.
Offer Competitive Benefits and Career Development – Competitive salaries, benefits, and clear career progression paths are essential to retaining workers. Employees are likelier to stay with companies that invest in their growth and provide advancement opportunities.
Embrace Diversity and Inclusion – A diverse workforce brings varied perspectives, fostering innovation and adaptability. Policies promoting inclusivity can attract more candidates and help fill skill gaps.
Broader Implications for the UK Economy
The construction industry’s worker shortage highlights the broader challenges facing the UK labour market. As one of the key sectors driving infrastructure development and economic growth, addressing these gaps is essential for the nation’s future. Experts stress that investing in training, diversity, and workplace culture is critical to ensuring long-term sustainability and competitiveness.With an urgent need to bridge the skills gap, the construction industry must adopt innovative solutions to secure its workforce and continue building the UK’s future.
Industry leaders in Hong Kong have dismissed suggestions that switching to steel scaffolding would prevent construction accidents, warning that abandoning the city’s traditional bamboo scaffolding could jeopardise thousands of jobs.The debate was reignited after the collapse of bamboo scaffolding at a construction site in Kai Tak on Monday, which left 11 workers injured, four critically. The incident has prompted industrial accident advocacy groups to call for stricter regulations, including a transition to steel scaffolding.Today, Ho Ping-tak, chairman of the Hong Kong and Kowloon Bamboo Scaffolding Workers Union, argued that the primary cause of such incidents was not the material but insufficient safety oversight.“Most bamboo scaffolding accidents result from inappropriate arrangements during construction or risky alterations after the structure is built,” Ho explained. “These are issues with safety protocols on construction sites, not structural flaws in bamboo scaffolding.”Ho emphasised that bamboo structures are designed according to engineers’ specifications and undergo safety checks before use. The real problem, he suggested, lies in unauthorised modifications during later stages of construction, often made to save time or effort.
Bamboo Versus Steel
Advocates for bamboo scaffolding highlighted its advantages over steel, including lower costs, lighter weight, and easier assembly and dismantling. Around 80% of scaffolding in Hong Kong uses bamboo, supporting a workforce of 4,000 licensed scaffolders.Timmy So Tin-ming, chief external affairs officer for the Bamboo Scaffolding Association, argued that steel scaffolding is not inherently safer. “If someone deliberately removes or modifies structural components, it doesn’t matter whether the material is bamboo or steel,” So said. “Both systems require tools and expertise to alter.”Despite these assurances, the Association for the Rights of Industrial Accident Victims has raised concerns about the variability in bamboo quality, which they say complicates accurate structural calculations and increases risks.The group has called for authorities to phase out bamboo scaffolding in favour of steel alternatives.
Regulatory Changes and Safety Inspections
The Labour Department updated its Code of Practice for Bamboo Scaffolding Safety in October, strengthening technical requirements and banning unauthorised alterations.Following the Kai Tak incident, Secretary for Labour and Welfare Chris Sun Yuk-han pledged to gather feedback from industry stakeholders and conduct citywide inspections of scaffolding.Industry leaders, including those from the Hong Kong Scaffolding SME Association, have called for improved risk assessments at every stage of scaffolding construction to bolster safety.While the debate continues, bamboo scaffolders remain firm in defending their craft. “Bamboo has been part of Hong Kong’s construction culture for over a century,” said Ho. “What we need is better enforcement of existing safety standards, not the abandonment of this tradition.”
The cost of building projects is forecast to rise by 17% over the next five years, with tender prices expected to increase by 19% in the same period, according to the latest figures from the Building Cost Information Service (BCIS).The outlook, released by BCIS, predicts a return to growth in construction output after a period of contraction since mid-2023. New work output is anticipated to grow by 21% by the end of the forecast period.
Labour Costs Drive Inflation
Labour costs are highlighted as the primary driver of input cost inflation. Annual growth in the BCIS Labour Cost Index slowed to 5.3% in the final quarter of 2024, but significant increases loom. Higher employer National Insurance contributions and a rise in the National Living Wage are projected to push costs up by 2.5% in April 2025 compared to March. Overall, labour costs are expected to climb by 19% by the end of 2029.Dr David Crosthwaite, Chief Economist at BCIS, explained: “The construction industry is grappling with a tightening labour supply, long-term workforce losses, and shortages of skilled workers. With demand expected to pick up this year, the risks to our forecasts are firmly on the upside.”
Materials Costs Stabilise but Remain a Concern
Materials cost inflation, which peaked in 2022, has been moderating. Annual growth in the BCIS Materials Cost Index turned negative from late 2023 to mid-2024 but is forecast to grow by 15% over the next five years.The BCIS All-in Tender Price Index, which measures the cost of accepted tenders, grew by 2.3% in the final quarter of 2024. Dr Crosthwaite noted that while tender prices are expected to grow more slowly than input costs in 2025, the trend will reverse from 2026.
Return to Growth on the Horizon
Despite a 4.7% contraction in new work output projected for 2024, growth is expected to return from 2025. The recovery will likely be driven by increased housing and infrastructure spending. However, the ambitious government target of building 370,000 homes annually remains out of reach.Dr Crosthwaite warned of challenges ahead: “Public finances and a sluggish economy pose significant risks to growth in industrial and commercial sectors. Delays to the second phase of the government’s Spending Review create further uncertainty, as many funding and viability decisions rely on clear long-term strategies.”
Mixed Sentiment in the Industry
The S&P Global UK Construction Purchasing Managers’ Index reached a 29-month high in September, reflecting positive sentiment across the sector. However, optimism has since waned following the Autumn Budget, with concerns about the broader economic environment tempering expectations.As the construction industry navigates these challenges, the BCIS report underscores the need for resilience and strategic planning to manage costs and secure growth in the years ahead.
PERI UK has reached a significant milestone by qualifying for Constructionline Gold membership, reinforcing its dedication to improving construction projects’ efficiency, safety, and speed.Constructionline, a trusted independent body, evaluates supply chain members to ensure they meet the required capabilities for effective project delivery. By achieving this accreditation, PERI joins a select group of suppliers recognised for reducing risks and promoting transparency in procurement processes.This achievement comes at a crucial moment as the Procurement Act 2023 introduces changes to the governance of public procurement across most of the UK.The accreditation positions PERI as a pre-qualified supplier, aligning with the Common Assessment Standard and ensuring compliance with the evolving procurement landscape.
A Streamlined Approach to Procurement
PERI, a global leader in the temporary works sector, emphasised that accreditation simplifies evaluating its competencies and capabilities. With all necessary qualifications now digitally accessible via the Constructionline portal, stakeholders can save valuable time while ensuring the highest quality and safety standards.The Gold membership is also expected to strengthen PERI’s collaboration with tier 1 contractors, fostering alignment and trust throughout the project lifecycle. The company believes this recognition enhances its ability to meet the needs of modern infrastructure projects, particularly as procurement practices evolve under the new legislative framework.
A Commitment to Excellence
Matt McCarthy, Infrastructure Sales Manager at PERI UK, shared his thoughts on the achievement:“As the leading supplier of formwork in the temporary works sector, we have a responsibility to meet the latest standards and provide tier 1 contractors with the confidence they need when procuring for infrastructure projects. The way tier 1 contractors approach the procurement of temporary works equipment has evolved significantly over the years. Being a Constructionline Gold member places us in a strong position as the new Procurement Act takes effect, enabling us to showcase our capabilities more efficiently than ever before.”McCarthy highlighted that the Gold accreditation represents the highest level of recognition within Constructionline’s framework. It demonstrates PERI’s commitment to adhering to industry standards, ensuring safety, and delivering quality on-site—critical factors in reducing risks and driving project success.
The UK construction industry’s recovery slowed in December, with a new report highlighting moderated growth in output and new orders. The S&P Global UK Construction Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) fell to 53.3 in December, down from 55.2 in November. Although the index remains above the 50.0 no-change mark, indicating expansion, December’s reading marks the slowest pace of growth since June 2024.
Sector Performance: Mixed Results
Commercial construction led the sector with the highest growth, scoring 55.0 on the index, followed by civil engineering at 52.9. However, both segments showed weaker performance compared to the previous month. Residential construction lagged behind, registering a sharp contraction with a reading of 47.6, marking the fastest decline in house-building activity since June 2024. Elevated borrowing costs, subdued demand, and fragile consumer confidence were cited as the main challenges for the housing market.
New Orders and Input Costs
New orders expanded at the slowest rate in six months, reflecting uneven demand. While the commercial building sector benefited from improved tender opportunities, the residential market struggled due to cutbacks and a lack of new projects to replace completed infrastructure works. This cautious demand environment prompted companies to scale back input purchases for the first time in eight months, driven partly by tighter inventory management.The sector also faced rising costs, with subcontractor rates increasing at the fastest pace in 20 months. Despite reduced demand, subcontractor availability improved only marginally. High input costs, including rising salaries, continued to constrain job creation, with hiring levels remaining below pre-pandemic averages.
Optimism and Challenges Ahead
Looking forward, 48% of construction firms expect output to rise in 2025, while 15% anticipate a decline. Confidence has rebounded since November but remains weaker than earlier in 2024. Many firms remain cautious about the UK’s economic outlook and the potential impact of constrained capital spending.Tim Moore, Economics Director at S&P Global Market Intelligence, noted the uneven growth across sectors. “Commercial building maintained its position as the fastest-growing area of construction activity, followed by civil engineering. However, residential work decreased for the third month running, reflecting headwinds from elevated borrowing costs and fragile consumer confidence.”Brendan Sharkey, a construction specialist at MHA, added: “While the commercial sector remains strong and infrastructure benefits from government investment, housing continues to face challenges. High interest rates and rising labour costs will be ongoing issues. However, increased inward investment could offer relief.”Sharkey predicts a slow but steady recovery in 2025, with infrastructure projects and commercial development driving growth. “Although growth will be modest, the fundamentals for the sector are solid, and there is an air of quiet optimism,” he said.
HS2: A Key Driver
One bright spot is the continued progress of the HS2 project, which remains a major driver of UK construction activity. December saw preparations completed for a bridge over the M42 motorway near Birmingham Business Park, marking a significant milestone for the high-speed rail line.While the construction industry demonstrates resilience amid challenges, it faces a mixed outlook for 2025. The balance between government infrastructure investments and headwinds from high interest rates and subdued residential demand will be critical in shaping the sector’s trajectory.
Reflecting on the charity’s achievements, Sarah Bolton, CEO of the Lighthouse Charity, highlighted the challenges the construction sector faced in 2024.
“This support was delivered against another challenging year, with the construction sector being one of the worst hit for company insolvencies,” she said. “The rising cost of materials and the cost of living have added additional pressure on our construction community.”
She continued, “The important thing is that people know about us and are reaching out for help. Whether it’s supporting someone through illness or injury, ensuring there’s a meal on the table, or simply offering a listening ear, the message is simple: If you’re struggling, help is here.”
Bolton praised the construction community for its role in enabling the charity’s life-changing work, from fundraising events to corporate support and spreading awareness through supply chains.
Looking ahead to 2025, the charity is committed to expanding its services further. “Our work is continuous, and we are looking forward to extending the support we offer even further in 2025,” Bolton said.
The Lighthouse Charity’s efforts underline the importance of prioritising wellbeing in an industry often defined by its physical and emotional demands. With its unwavering commitment, the charity has not only set new records in support but also provided a lifeline to thousands in need. 
The competition featured 18 elite teams from around the U.S., including Apex Access Systems and even UK-based JMAC Scaffolding Limited and Revolution Industrial. All of them demonstrated their expertise in building and dismantling complex scaffolding structures under strict time constraints.
Judged by a panel of industry experts, teams were evaluated on precision, safety, teamwork, and overall efficiency.
“This wasn’t just about speed—it was about doing it right,” said one of the judges. “The level of professionalism and skill we saw today was remarkable.”
With thousands of construction and masonry professionals attending, the competition brought much-needed attention to the critical role scaffolders play in the global construction industry.
“It was amazing to see scaffolders getting the recognition they deserve,” said one attendee. “The level of skill and coordination involved in what they do is incredible. Watching this live really highlights how essential they are to construction projects worldwide.”
Advocates for bamboo scaffolding highlighted its advantages over steel, including lower costs, lighter weight, and easier assembly and dismantling.
Around 80% of scaffolding in Hong Kong uses bamboo, supporting a workforce of 4,000 licensed scaffolders.
Timmy So Tin-ming, chief external affairs officer for the Bamboo Scaffolding Association, argued that steel scaffolding is not inherently safer.
“If someone deliberately removes or modifies structural components, it doesn’t matter whether the material is bamboo or steel,” So said. “Both systems require tools and expertise to alter.”
Despite these assurances, the Association for the Rights of Industrial Accident Victims has raised concerns about the variability in bamboo quality, which they say complicates accurate structural calculations and increases risks.
The group has called for authorities to phase out bamboo scaffolding in favour of steel alternatives.
The Gold membership is also expected to strengthen PERI’s collaboration with tier 1 contractors, fostering alignment and trust throughout the project lifecycle.
The company believes this recognition enhances its ability to meet the needs of modern infrastructure projects, particularly as procurement practices evolve under the new legislative framework.
