| It’s National Apprenticeship Week ‐ Get Involved! Today is the start of National Apprenticeship Week 2022! With the theme ‘Build the Future’, it is focussed on helping individuals to develop the skills and knowledge required for a rewarding career. Build UK is encouraging all members to get involved and there are a number of simple things you can do: Celebrate your apprentices ‐ Put your apprentices front and centre of your business and on social media using the hashtag #NAW2022 Use your Apprenticeship Levy ‐ Make sure you are using your Apprenticeship Levy or pledging it to other employers in your supply chain via the Apprenticeship Levy Transfer to help them deliver their apprenticeships Promote your apprenticeship vacancies ‐ Ensure all your apprenticeship opportunities are registered on Talentview Construction to make it easier for young people to join our industry. All apprenticeship vacancies registered via the Government’s Recruit an Apprentice service are automatically registered on Talentview. Remember to tag Build UK on Twitter and LinkedIn as we can help to share your success and showcase the positive impact that apprenticeships have within construction. |
 CSCS Update In response to the CLC Industry Card Schemes Recommendation, which requires all card schemes carrying the CSCS logo to use Smart Technology, a new CSCS Smart Check app will be rolled out from April 2022. Build UK’s last SmartCard Audit highlighted the need for all cards to be able to be checked using the same technology to make it easier for employers and sites to check the qualifications and training of their operatives. Build UK has been encouraging its members to prepare for this major step forward in checking the competence of the workforce with its How to be a Smart Site guide. CSCS has also confirmed that card schemes carrying the CSCS logo will stop renewing cards obtained via Industry Accreditation or ‘Grandfather Rights’. From 30 June 2024, all individuals will require a recognised qualification to obtain a card, and employers should identify which of their workers will need to complete an appropriate qualification ahead of the deadline. |
 PPE Regulations Extended Following a consultation last year, the HSE has confirmed that the Personal Protective Equipment at Work Regulations will be amended to ensure that agency and temporary workers ‐ so‐called limb (b) workers ‐ are provided with the same PPE protections as employees. From 6 April 2022, organisations will have to provide all workers with the correct PPE necessary for health and safety free of charge, as well as maintain and replace it as necessary. To help organisations prepare for this significant change, HSE has published interim guidance and they should confirm the number of limb (b) workers they have and ensure they have sufficient PPE. |
 Get Boosted Now As part of its campaign encouraging everyone to get vaccinated against COVID‐19, the Government has published a free employer toolkit containing a range of resources, which can be used to increase awareness within the workplace and provide workers with access to reliable and accurate information on vaccines. With more construction workers needing to get their booster, employers are being asked to be as flexible as possible, which could include giving paid time off work to attend vaccination appointments. Build UK partner Citation has also produced guidance for employers who may be considering implementing a vaccination policy, and a recent Citation webinar provided further information on vaccination and testing of employees. |
| School Reforms A recent report by the Times Education Commission found that 44% of employers believe young people are not ‘work ready’ and that reforming schools would boost the economy by £125 billion. The report highlights the need for future generations to be flexible and inquisitive, as they are likely to have to retrain multiple times over the course of their careers. Apprenticeship Awards Entries are now open for the Government’s Top 100 Apprenticeship Employers and Top 50 SME Apprenticeship Employers awards, which celebrate the organisations that have done the most to provide successful apprenticeships over the last 12 months. Nominations should be submitted online and rankings will be announced this summer. |
| CIJC Holiday Dates 2022 The Construction Industry Joint Council (CIJC) has published the Holiday Entitlement 2022 confirming the public/bank holidays that apply under the Working Rule Agreement. There will be an additional paid bank holiday on 3 June to commemorate the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee. Statutory Sick Pay Businesses with fewer than 250 employees can use the Statutory Sick Pay Rebate Scheme to recover COVID‐19‐related SSP paid since 21 December 2021. They can claim online for up to two weeks of sick pay for current and former employees on any type of employment contract. |
| Go Construct STEM Ambassadors STEM Ambassadors is a great way for the industry to get into schools and inspire the next generation to join construction by showcasing the fantastic range of careers we have to offer. We are encouraging all Build UK members to support Go Construct STEM Ambassadors and businesses can register by email and individuals can sign up by selecting ‘Go Construct STEM Ambassador’. If you are already a STEM Ambassador you can update your profile in the ‘About Me’ section to show you are a Go Construct STEM Ambassador. Being part of STEM Ambassadors enables the industry to offer a joined‐up approach and reach as many schools as possible, and Go Construct STEM Ambassadors have access to a range of industry‐specific resources and activities for school presentations, careers talks and mentoring. |