Offshore Scaffolders Join Peers in Resuming 48-hour Strike
Unite the union has announced that approximately 1200 offshore contractors, including scaffolders, will resume a 48-hour strike from today (10 May) until Friday (12 May) due to a growing dispute over jobs, pay, and conditions in the offshore sector.
The strike is expected to impact major oil and gas operators such as Apache, BP, Harbour Energy, Enquest, Ithaca, Repsol, Shell, and TAQA.
Workers involved are from various fields, such as electrical, production, and mechanical technicians, as well as deck crew, crane operators, pipefitters, platers, and riggers employed by Bilfinger UK Limited, Petrofac Facilities Management, Stork Technical Services, Sparrows Offshore Services, and Wood Group.
Unite has previously criticised the government’s lack of intervention regarding the substantial profits made by oil and gas corporations, with BP and Shell earning combined first-quarter profits of nearly £11.7 billion.
Unite’s general secretary, Sharon Graham, emphasised the union’s determination to fight for better jobs, pay, and conditions in the offshore sector and challenge “unfettered corporate greed.”
The strike is expected to involve around 200 Bilfinger contractors working on BP and Repsol assets, approximately 650 Stork offshore members due to unimproved pay offers, and 200 offshore workers employed by Sparrows. Unite members working for Petrofac on the Ithaca FPF1 and those employed by the Wood Group on TAQA installations will also participate in the strike, totalling around 150 members.
John Boland, Unite industrial officer, highlighted that the offshore sector is witnessing the largest wave of industrial action in a generation. He further emphasised the union members’ willingness to fight for improved pay, fairer and safer working rotas, and holidays.
The strike follows a previous 48-hour stoppage (24-26 April), as reported by scaffmag, that caused severe disruptions to the operations of major oil and gas operators, including the shutdown of the CNR Ninian Central and Ninian South platforms and delays in planned works on other platforms.
Hydrajaws Reinforces Connection with Metesco
Hydrajaws, the world’s largest and most trusted designer and producer of pull testers, is marking its 35th anniversary in 2023 with the announcement of formalising its long-standing alliance with Netherlands-based Metesco.
The two companies have solidified their relationship by officially designating Metesco as an authorised distributor and Approved Service Centre for Hydrajaws in the Netherlands, Benelux, and Germany. This decision demonstrates the trust and confidence Hydrajaws places in Metesco’s capacity to deliver the highest levels of service and support to its extensive customer base in the Benelux markets.
Stephen Hynes, Hydrajaws Managing Director, shared his enthusiasm about the strengthened partnership: “The company is delighted to formalise its long-standing relationship with Metesco and offer customers an even higher level of service and support. Hydrajaws has been collaborating with Metesco for many years and has the utmost confidence in their ability to provide the highest levels of service and support to its customers,” he said.
Metesco, a prominent provider of calibration and repair services for force and torque measurement instruments, is well-regarded for its expertise in the field. The company is currently pursuing ISO 17025 accreditation and has been offering calibration and repair services for numerous years.
As a trusted market brand, Hydrajaws partners with industry associations and anchor and fixing OEMs such as Ejot, Fischer, Rawlplug, and Klimas, among others, and regularly exports to over 70 countries. Hydrajaws is committed to delivering top-quality products and services to its customers and is thrilled to provide this additional layer of service and support through its collaboration with Metesco.
Since 2014, Hydrajaws has been at the forefront of transforming how anchor testing is captured, verified, and effortlessly shared within organisations and with clients, thanks to its launch of the first Bluetooth reporting system. Hydrajaws has recently released its new, free-to-use Bluetooth reporting app, Verify Pro, which includes all the functionality of the previous app. For customers with larger engineering teams working across multiple sites and tasks, Hydrajaws has also introduced Verify TEAMS to enable more effective collaboration of resources and management and communication of tasks and test reports.
Construction Sector Tops UK Insolvency List
According to recent data from the Insolvency Service, the UK construction industry has recorded the highest number of insolvencies across all sectors in the 12 months leading up to March 2023.
A total of 4,165 insolvencies were lodged in the first three months of 2023 alone, accounting for nearly one-fifth (19%) of all cases in industries with captured data.
Following the construction industry were the wholesale and retail trade and repair of vehicles (3,518 insolvencies, 16% of cases) and accommodation and food services (2,951 insolvencies, 13% of cases). This continues the trend of construction having the highest quarterly number of insolvencies among all industrial sectors.
In terms of overall company insolvencies, there was an 18% increase compared to the same first-quarter period in 2022. Company insolvency statistics for England and Wales, together with figures for Scotland and Northern Ireland, show a 4% decrease in total company insolvencies in Q1 2023 compared to Q4 2022. After seasonal adjustments, England and Wales registered a total of 5,747 company insolvencies in Q1 2023.
Scotland experienced a significant increase in company insolvencies, with 297 cases reported in Q1 2023, a 41% increase compared to the same quarter in 2022. In contrast, Northern Ireland saw a decrease of 29% with 40 company insolvencies in Q1 2023 compared to Q1 2022.
Over the 12 months ending Q1 2023, 1 in every 197 companies faced liquidation, a higher ratio than those recorded in the 12-month periods ending Q4 2022 and Q1 2022.
Powerclad FR Sheeting Plays Key Role in London’s Massive Hallsville Quarter Regeneration
ITP’s Powerclad FR scaffold sheeting is being utilised at Hallsville Quarter in Canning Town, one of London’s most significant regeneration projects.
The site, a joint venture between London Borough of Newham and Linkcity, is part of the massive £3.7bn Canning Town and Custom House SPD regeneration framework.
This ambitious project will deliver 1,100 new homes, over 323,000 sq ft of leisure and retail space, and more than 32,000 sq ft of space for community facilities, as well as new public spaces, pedestrian links, cyclist provisions, and 1,100 secure parking spaces.
“The Hallsville Quarter is a critical part of the transformation of Canning Town, providing contemporary living, leisure, and retail spaces that are essential for creating a thriving community and establishing a lasting legacy,” says a representative from the joint venture partnership.
Designed by Hawkins Brown, Phase 3 of Hallsville Quarter features private rental homes, 143 shared ownership units, 199 affordable homes, including 50 extra-care apartments, 88,049 sq ft of retail and leisure space, and an integrated health centre.
The extensive installation of Powerclad FR at this phase offers protection and containment for high-rise buildings under construction.
Powerclad FR is a third-party tested and certified sheeting that achieves fire retardancy certification to TS 62 for external use and TS 63 for internal use for both plain and printed sheeting. Its fire safety credentials ensure full compliance with requirements for projects valued over £25m, as stated in the Joint Code of Practice on the Protection from Fire of Construction Sites and Buildings Undergoing Renovation.
In recent years, Powerclad FR has been utilised in various other landmark London projects, such as the deep retrofit and expansion of BT’s former headquarters near St Paul’s Cathedral and Royal Eden Docks, a prestigious mixed-use development east of Canary Wharf by Mount Anvil Homes. It was also employed in the transformation of London’s iconic Old War Office site into a world-class luxury hotel and apartment complex.
“Powerclad FR’s contribution to these high-profile projects highlights the importance of reliable, certified fire protection in the construction industry, ensuring safety and peace of mind for developers, contractors, and future residents alike,” adds the joint venture representative.
NASC Set to Unveil the Truth About its Membership
The National Access and Scaffolding Confederation (NASC) is set to unveil the truth about its membership and debunk popular myths in an upcoming webinar.
On Tuesday, June 13 at 10:00 am via Zoom, the “Join the NASC” event aims to debunk myths and misconceptions about the organisation and its membership, such as being an “old boys club,” a “cartel”, or “only for large companies”.
NASC represents a diverse range of contractors, from small to sizeable scaffolding organisations nationwide. But readers might be surprised to learn that over 65% of our members are actually SMEs, with a turnover of between £1m and £3m. The organisation has over 120 information members and growing, which includes main contractors, clients, and local authorities. NASC is encouraging these members to adopt “NASC Only” policies on their sites and tenders.
The webinar will offer attendees a chance to ask questions about what becoming an NASC member involves, including criteria, the auditing process, timescales and the benefits of being and NASC. Members of the Independent Auditing team will also be in attendance to discuss common issues identified during the audit process offer advice on how to pass.
NASC Membership Manager, Jamie McGuire, encourages non-NASC scaffolding contractors and eligible businesses to attend the webinar and address any concerns or misconceptions about joining the organisation.
“We are aware that there are divided opinions on the NASC and our application process, so during this webinar we welcome an opportunity to openly discuss any misconceptions that may be holding eligible businesses back from applying for NASC membership,” said McGuire.
Interested parties can register for the event at https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/join-the-nasc-tickets-626101966837 to learn the truth about NASC membership and its benefits.
ScaffPlan Chosen as Official Scaffold Design Platform for ScaffChamp 2023
The organisers of the annual Scaffolding Championships, known as ScaffChamp, have announced that ScaffPlan has been selected as the official scaffold design platform for this year’s event.
The competition, which showcases the top scaffolders from 11 different countries, is set to take place in Lithuania in May 2023.
Simon Boyes, CEO of ScaffPlan, expressed his excitement about the partnership, saying, “We are honoured to be selected as the official scaffold design platform for ScaffChamp 2023. We are committed to providing the best possible tools and support to help companies design and plan their scaffolds, and we are excited to be part of this impressive event. We have some major surprises in store for the event and will be releasing our newest software release live on stage.”
The two-day event, scheduled for May 26th and 27th, will be live-streamed for viewers across the globe. In addition to the thrilling competition, attendees can expect a number of showcases, stalls, activities, and giveaways.
Oleg Abramov, president of the Baltic Scaffold Association (BSA), praised the collaboration with ScaffPlan, stating, “At ScaffChamp, we’re thrilled to have ScaffPlan as our official scaffold design platform for the next three years. ScaffPlan’s cutting-edge technology and user-friendly interface make it the ideal choice for users looking to design and plan their scaffold structures with total accuracy. We’re proud to partner with ScaffPlan and excited to see how their innovative software will help the teams bring competition design to life. We believe this partnership will inspire future ScaffPlan users to pay attention to this revolutionary software on the market.”
As a leading provider of scaffold design software, ScaffPlan has been selected as a multi-year major event partner. The company will showcase the ease and constructability of top-secret scaffold designs once they have been revealed to the teams during the competition.
ScaffChamp 2023 promises to be an exciting event for scaffolders and scaffold enthusiasts alike. For more information about the event, visit www.scaffchamp.com. To learn more about ScaffPlan, go to www.scaffplan.com.
Surge in Tool Theft Leaves Tradespeople Struggling
A recent LBC analysis has revealed a surge in tool theft across England and Wales, with more than 40,000 cases in 2022 alone.
This alarming statistic equates to at least 110 tools stolen daily, leaving tradespeople struggling to cope with the financial and emotional impact.
Data collected by LBC from 25 of the 45 territorial police forces in the UK highlights the widespread nature of the problem. On The Tools, the UK’s largest online construction community, reports that 80% of tradespeople have experienced tool theft, disproportionately affecting self-employed individuals.
London has emerged as the epicentre of this issue, accounting for nearly half of all recorded cases. Other regions, such as Essex, West Yorkshire, the West Midlands, and Gwent, also reported high levels of tool theft last year.
The financial toll of these crimes is staggering, with an estimated average loss of £4,470.50 per tradesperson in equipment. This amounts to a potential combined loss of over £100 million during a time of economic uncertainty and rising living costs.
Despite the extensive impact of tool theft, charge rates remain disappointingly low. In Surrey, Northumbria, and West Yorkshire, a mere 2% of recorded cases result in a charge. The situation is only marginally better in Merseyside and Northamptonshire, with charge rates below 7%.
Former Deputy Assistant Commissioner at the Metropolitan Police, Andy Trotter, called the situation “devastating for tradespeople” and emphasized the enormity of the challenge faced by the police in addressing this crime, particularly amidst dwindling resources.
Victims, such as East London security equipment installation engineer Ian, have spoken about the heart-wrenching effects of tool theft. After experiencing three break-ins, Ian was forced to invest in additional security measures, including a ‘tool-safe,’ extra locks, and stainless steel panels.
In response to the growing crisis, a spokesperson for the National Police Chiefs Council has acknowledged the complexities of tool theft cases, citing limited forensic opportunities as a major obstacle. The spokesperson also reaffirmed the commitment to tackling tool theft and encouraged victims to report incidents to the police.
PERI Names New UK Managing Director
PERI has announced the appointment of Ian Hayes as the new Managing Director of its UK subsidiary.
Hayes succeeds Alasdair Stables, who stepped down at the end of April 2023. Hayes officially joined PERI at the beginning of May and brings with him a wealth of experience from his time in the construction industry.
Before joining PERI, Hayes served as the CEO and Divisional Managing Director of RMD Kwikform for six years. He managed the company’s 1,500 staff and operations in over 40 countries with a turnover of £200 million.
Before that, he held the position of Commercial Services Director at Lafarge, serving on the Aggregates and Concrete UK Executive Board.
PERI expressed confidence in Hayes’ ability to lead the UK subsidiary towards its long-term goals, citing his extensive industry experience and knowledge.
Reflecting on his time at the company, outgoing Managing Director Alasdair Stables said, “It’s been a privilege to work for PERI over the last ten years, and whilst I’m looking forward to my forthcoming sabbatical, I am delighted to handover to Ian. His experience and character suit PERI perfectly, and it’s a great feeling to be leaving the business in such capable hands to care for our customers.”
Hayes expressed his excitement about his new role, stating, “I’m delighted to be joining PERI, a business that is well respected all over the world. Alasdair has successfully led the business over the last 10 years and has grown PERI’s presence in the UK construction market. I’d like to thank him and wish him well for the future. The UK market continues to present new and exciting opportunities for further growth and customer service, which I have great ambition for and look forward to achieving with the entire PERI team.”
Nominations Open for NSW Scaff Star Awards
The National Scaffolding Week (NSW) has officially announced the opening of nominations for its prestigious Scaff Star awards.
The annual event aims to highlight the remarkable achievements of the scaffolding and access sector, showcasing the diverse range of career paths and opportunities available in the industry.
With the countdown to NSW underway, it is the perfect time to recognise the unsung heroes of the scaffolding sector. The industry boasts over 34,000 scaffolding operatives and hundreds of people in related roles, contributing a staggering £2.86 billion to the UK economy.
NSW seeks to honour those exceptional individuals who have gone above and beyond in their contributions to the industry. Be it raising funds for charity through their scaffolding business, playing a crucial role in training and introducing new talent to the industry, or dedicating their entire career to the sector, NSW wants to celebrate their inspiring stories and share them with the broader scaffolding community.
To nominate your scaffolding hero, simply complete the quick form available on the NSW website. Nominees will be listed on the website, promoted on social media with the #ScaffStar hashtag, and honoured at the Scaffold Conference in October, organised by the Scaffolding Association.
Be sure to submit your nominations, as the deadline is Friday, September 22nd, 2023. For more information on the fun and exciting events during National Scaffolding Week, visit www.nationalscaffoldingweek.com.
Tony Barry Takes Helm as CISRS Compliance Director
The Construction Industry Scaffolders Record Scheme (CISRS) has announced the appointment of industry veteran Tony Barry as their new Compliance Director.
Barry, who joined the CISRS Board last week, has been an essential member of the CISRS team since July 2021, when he first started as the Compliance Manager.
Barry brings over 40 years of experience in the scaffolding industry, with 23 of those years spent working as a CISRS scaffolder, supervisor, and manager. Additionally, he has 20 years of experience with the Construction Industry Training Board’s (CITB) National Construction College as an instructor, assessor, and National scaffolding training programme manager for access and rigging training.
As the CISRS Compliance Director, Barry’s primary responsibility is to ensure that the CISRS training scheme courses remain relevant, robust, cost-effective, and ‘fit for purpose’. He has been actively involved in the recent review and development of the Scaffolding Apprentice Standard, working alongside the Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education (IFATE) and the industry trailblazer group.
CISRS Board members are excited about the new appointment. One board member commented in a press release, “Tony’s depth of knowledge and experience within the industry and its recognized training scheme have seen him quickly rise to board level. We are confident that his leadership will further strengthen the quality of our training programs.”
Tony Barry expressed his enthusiasm for his new role, stating, “I am incredibly honored to serve as the CISRS Compliance Director. I look forward to working closely with my colleagues to ensure that the CISRS training courses continue to meet the evolving needs of the industry.”
With Tony Barry at the helm, CISRS is set to maintain its reputation for providing high-quality, cost-effective, and ‘fit for purpose’ training courses to meet the needs of the scaffolding industry.
