ISG has filed for administration

Some of you may have seen reports in the media that ISG has filed for administration here in the UK. We can confirm that this is factually correct. 

 IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR YOU

 We confirm that ISG sites are now closed. Please do not make any attempt to gain access as this will be denied.

 Once the administrator is formally appointed, arrangements will be made between subcontractors and clients for the orderly collection of plant, materials and tools.

Product prohibited: De Neef HA Safefoam NF

Following an incident, the use of the De Neef HA Safefoam NF product has been prohibited pending the conclusion of an investigation. A used/empty metal drum previously containing the product exploded on our A63 Castle Street Improvement Scheme in Hull, causing the body of the drum to be projected approximately 15m into the air. The drum landed in a live lane of the adjacent carriageway causing several vehicles to stop. There were no injuries to site operatives or members of the public. The contents of the drum (polyurethane injection resin) had been used to repair non-structural cracks in a section of the underpass’s diaphragm wall. The drum only contained residue and had been put to one side in readiness for disposal from site. We are currently liaising with the manufacturer to supplement the information provided in the product MSDS (Material Safety Data Sheet).

Action required

• Immediately review if your site or project is in possession of the product and stop any work requiring its use.
• All sites must quarantine any containers and store in accordance with the manufacturer’s guidance until the investigation has determined the control measures required for safe use of such products.

Improving Building Safety

Thanks to all those Build UK members who attended their latest Building Safety call this week where they discussed the final report from the Grenfell Tower Inquiry. Following the positive response to the statement from Build UK Chief Executive Suzannah Nichol OBE on the need for the industry to take responsibility for improving building safety, there are a number of areas where we can step up whilst the Government reviews the recommendations over the next six months. With the report highlighting that “levels of competence in the construction industry are generally low”, we can accelerate work in this area, starting by collectively agreeing that professionals should demonstrate their competence through membership of the appropriate chartered body and that individuals working in construction occupations must hold the appropriate CSCS card.

Paul Morrell OBE, who led the Independent Review of the Construction Product Testing Regime, shared his thoughts on the report, which “lays down challenges for everyone involved in designing, constructing and operating buildings, and everything that goes into them, with a view to prioritising safety”. As the new building safety regime is still settling down, he cautioned that ‘further sweeping changes’ could be disruptive and there was a risk of placing more responsibility with the Building Safety Regulator (BSR) which is already ‘overloaded’.

Members raised significant concerns about delays at Gateway Two and the BSR will be joining our next Building Safety call on Tuesday 5 November to discuss the process. According to the BSR, the current timescale for a successful application to be approved is 12 ‐ 18 weeks, as set out in a new FAQ on the BSR microsite dedicated to Building Control Approval for Higher‐Risk Buildings.

CITB Levy Proposals Published

CITB has confirmed that it will consult with the industry from 26 September until 24 October on draft Levy Proposals for 2026 ‐ 2029, ahead of the formal Consensus process in 2025. This initial engagement will seek feedback on two options, which have different Levy exemption and reduction thresholds, as well as the skills and training outcomes that CITB has delivered for the industry over the past three years. CITB is hosting nation‐specific webinars in England, Scotland and Wales for employers to have their say, and the feedback will be used to provide guidance and recommendations to the CITB Board, which will finalise the Levy Proposal for in‐scope employers to vote on during Consensus next year.

As a ‘Prescribed Organisation’, Build UK is responsible for consulting with its in‐scope members on the Levy Proposal during the Consensus process, and we are currently confirming the details of your nominated Levy representative.

Procurement Act

The Government has confirmed that commencement of the Procurement Act will be delayed from 28 October 2024 until 24 February 2025 in order to produce a new National Procurement Policy Statement reflecting more clearly the new Government’s priorities for public procurement, including delivering value for money, economic growth and social value.

JCT 2024 Contracts

JCT has published new editions of its Pre‐Construction Services Agreement and Consultancy Agreement. All the JCT 2024 contracts released to date, including the Standard Building Contract and Design and Build Contract, are available to purchase via the JCT Construct subscription service, in On Demand digital form, and in hardcopy.