Well done to the Association of Fencing Industries (AFI) and Dominique Stevenson for their unwavering dedication to establishing a robust Fencing Apprenticeship Scheme following a skills shortage. The updated apprenticeship will offer greater funding, improved learning and solid career paths. We currently have 14 colleagues within our business on General Fencing and VRS apprenticeships, aged from 18 to 45! This move is pivotal and key to the development and future of our industry. Check out our shout-out in the Perimeter Systems publication for January 2024. Read more here

Open Doors 2024 ‐ Promote Your Events!

Recruiting the next generation is a priority if we are to maintain the pipeline of talent coming into the industry, and one of the best ways to showcase what construction has to offer is to get involved with Open Doors. Visitor booking is now open for 2024, and there are already more than 175 events registered to take place across Great Britain from Monday 18 ‐ Saturday 23 March. We are seeing huge interest from potential visitors, with over 1,000 bookings in the first 10 days, so if your organisation is still to get involved or you are yet to help someone book a visit, what are you waiting for!

Points‐Based Immigration System

Following the announcement last year that the earning threshold for the Skilled Worker visa will increase from £26,200 to £38,700, the Government has now confirmed that workers who hold a Skilled Worker visa before the increase comes into effect via Immigration Rules in April should be exempt from the new salary level when they extend their visa, change sponsor or settle in the UK. However, their pay is expected to progress at the same rate as resident workers.

PI Insurance

Extended liability periods for claims under the Defective Premises Act are now in force, and Build UK’s guide to Professional Indemnity (PI) insurance, produced with the support of Professional Services member Miller Insurance, provides an overview of what PI insurance is, why it is needed, and how to secure the best possible terms in the current market.

Advice and Guidance on PPE

Professional Services member JSP, a leading manufacturer of ‘above the neck’ PPE, has published advice on keeping warm when working outside in cold weather without impeding the performance of PPE. It specifically addresses the risks of wearing hats or hoodies underneath safety helmets and offers guidance on safer alternatives that are available. For further advice on PPE queries, JSP provides a technical helpline which is available free of charge to Build UK members by calling 0199 382 6051 or emailing technical@jspsafety.com.