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...
NASC Celebrates Inspiring Young Builders at House of Lords Reception
The NASC sponsored the YouthBuild UK Young Builder of the Year award reception at the House of Lords, celebrating young talents in construction who have overcome significant challenges. The National Access and Scaffolding Confederation (NASC) proudly sponsored the YouthBuild UK Young Builder of the Year award reception at the House of Lords yesterday, with a spectacular event to honour the...
Subbies now earning a grand a week
The largest payroll in the UK construction industry has reported a historical high in weekly earnings for skilled tradespeople. During December 2022, the average pay increased by 1% to reach £1,002, breaking the £1,000 barrier. The average pay packet in the £2 billion payroll was £945 per week, which is a 4.5% increase compared to 2021. The managing director of Hudson...
60,000 CSCS skills cards set to be banned
More than 60,000 CSCS industry skills cards issued under Industry Accreditation (IA) aka ‘Grandfather Rights’ are set to be banned on 31st December 2024 and cannot be renewed. CSCS stopped issuing new cards on the strength of an employer recommendation / Grandfather Rights in 2015. However, over 60,000 existing cards have continued to be renewed. The Construction Leadership Council's drive for...
Bookings open for Build UK Open Doors 2023 event
The booking process for Open Doors 2023 is now open. Young people and those seeking a career change will have the opportunity to visit construction sites across Great Britain from Monday, 13 March, through Saturday, 18 March, 2023. There are a variety of career opportunities available within the construction industry, and Open Doors provides a unique insight into the field. It is...
Slowdown in housing drags on construction output
Construction output in November 2022 showed zero growth, according to official statistics. In November, the number of new construction projects completed declined by 0.4% as a result of a drop in new housing starts of nearly 5%, according to data provided by The Office for National Statistics (ONS). This decreased output was also attributable to a wetter-than-average November causing more difficulty...
Construction Apprenticeship changes in Wales
Changes to some of the key construction apprenticeship qualifications in Wales come into force on 1stAugust in time for the autumn college term. They are designed to shape the supervisors and construction business owners of the future by better meeting the needs of employers and students alike. CITB, City & Guilds and Careers Wales are supporting the introduction of the new...
Construction impacted by cost of living crisis, inflation, and supply chain issues
The UK construction industry is being adversely affected by the cost of living crisis, inflation, and continued disruption caused to supply chains, says leading construction industry intelligence provider Barbour ABI. In its latest monthly Snap Analysis report, it highlights the uncertainty caused by the cost of living crisis, 25% inflation for building materials, and the conflict in Ukraine and ongoing...
Hadrian’s Wall Charity Walk Raises £20k for BoB
A group of 13 volunteers have taken on and completed the iconic Hadrian’s Wall Walk to raise money for UK construction charity Band of Builders (BoB). The team tackled the Hadrian’s Wall Path - an 84 mile (135 km) from Wallsend, Newcastle upon Tyne in the east to Bowness-on-Solway in Cumbria on the west coast - adding on a few...
Site workers to get 5% pay increase
The Construction Industry Joint Council (CIJC) have agreed on a below-inflation pay rise for site workers covered by the working rule agreement. The deal follows months of talks between the CIJC, construction unions and contractors under the CIJC pay framework. The one-year pay deal, will start from Monday 25th July 2022 and includes a 5% pay increase across all rates and...