Build UK Update
CLC Updates Card Schemes Recommendation
Following Build UK’s Smartcard Audit 2019, which identified the need for more cards carrying the CSCS logo to go smart, the Construction Leadership Council (CLC) has updated its Industry Card Schemes Recommendation. From 31 March 2022, all card schemes will be required to use smart technology, which has the capability to electronically check agreed information relevant to a cardholder, using a common interface, without the need to manually enter data.
CLC Task Force member Mark Reynolds said: “The need to validate and verify the training, qualification, skills and competence of construction workers has been brought into sharp focus since the Grenfell Tower Fire. The CLC is keen to see technology used across the industry to enable everyone to access and use the information we hold to make better decisions.”
Sites are asked to use the technology available to ensure cards are genuine and that workers have the appropriate qualifications and training for the occupation they are undertaking.
Changes to Safer Travel Guidance
As new local restriction tiers apply in England, the Government has updated its Safer travel guidance accordingly. Across all tiers, people should walk or cycle if they can, avoid the busiest routes and peak travel times, and avoid car sharing with anyone outside their household or support bubble.
People living in a High or Very High tier should reduce the number of journeys they make, and travel into and out of Very High areas should be avoided other than where necessary, such as for work. In the event of construction workers being stopped on journeys to and from sites, Build UK has produced an authorisation letter template which employers can use.
Carrying Forward Annual Leave
New legislation passed earlier this year enables workers to carry forward up to four weeks’ holiday into the next two leave years, where it has not been reasonably practicable for them to take it due to the effects of coronavirus. The Government has provided guidance on what is ‘reasonably practicable’, and it is unlikely that furloughed workers will need to carry forward holiday, as they will be able to take it during their furlough period.
Where a furloughed worker takes annual leave, the employer must calculate and pay the correct holiday pay in accordance with current legislation. Where this is above the pay the worker receives whilst on furlough, the employer must pay the difference. However, the employer can continue to claim the 80% grant from Government to cover most of the cost of holiday pay.
Materials Supply Report
Build UK has worked with the Chartered Institute of Procurement and Supply (CIPS) to publish a detailed report on the supply of construction materials after the end of the Brexit transition period. The report, which will be regularly updated, identifies which materials may be in short supply or have longer lead times.
Selfâ€Employment Grant
Applications have now opened for the third grant under the Selfâ€Employment Income Support Scheme. A business must have experienced a negative impact from coronavirus between 1 November 2020 and 31 January 2021 in order to submit a claim before the deadline of Friday 29 January.
Don't Forget...
The new Find a Tender Service (FTS) will be used to publish information on public sector contract opportunities in the UK from 31 December 2020 at 11:00pm. FTS, which will be free to use, will replace the Tenders Electronic Daily (TED) portal. Existing procurement portals such as Contracts Finder will still be available for certain notices, and account holders will be able to use the same login details to access FTS. There is a helpful 30â€minute CLC webinar demonstrating how the new FTS will work, and companies not already signed up are advised to register in preparation for its launch.