FEATURE
THE YEAR AHEAD
The construction industry is navigating a period of significant change, shaped by new government initiatives, regulatory shifts, technological advancements, and global challenges. These factors are creating both obstacles and opportunities for growth. Ian McKinnon, Managing Director of Veriforce CHAS, highlights some critical issues that will define the sector in 2025 and outlines how industry players can adapt.
AMBITIOUS GOVERNMENT BUILDING PLANS The UK government's Get Britain Building Again programme has set the target of constructing 1.5m homes over five years. This effort is guided by a revised National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF), prioritising brownfield redevelopment and selective greenbelt land release (referred to as grey belt). The plan also includes support for New Towns and infrastructure improvements.
While there is scepticism that these numbers are achievable in the timescale, these initiatives promise to boost employment for contractors. However, rising workplace fatalities highlight the need for better training and strict safety compliance.
Action: Contractors should adopt best practices like the Common Assessment Standard (CHAS Elite) to enhance safety, credibility, and tender prospects. Tools like the Veriforce CHAS Client Portal can help hiring clients identify verified local contractors to maintain compliance and ensure efficient project delivery.
https://www.chas.co.uk/contractors/common-assessment-standard/
BUILDING SAFETY OVERHAUL The Building Safety Act 2022 continues to reshape safety regulations and accountability in construction. From March 2025 all new care homes, regardless of height, must include sprinkler systems. Meanwhile, the expiration of old-style CSCS cards by 31 December, 2024, signifies an ongoing drive to upskill the sector.
Action: Sign up to the Building Safety Regulator e-bulletin to stay up to date with regulatory changes. Check out the BESA's Play it Safe guide, which communicates safety concepts in accessible terms, and can help ensure all workers understand their responsibilities under the Act.
https://public.govdelivery.com/accounts/UKHSE/signup/15087?utm_source=bs-microsite&utm_medi- um=referral&utm_campaign=BSR&utm_content=signups.
https://www.thebesa.com/play-it-safe-building-safety-act LAUNCH OF CENTRAL DIGITAL PLATFORM 22
The Central Digital Platform (CDP), set to launch in February 2025 alongside the Procurement Act 2023, represents a significant modernisation in public procurement. This centralised hub aims to streamline government procurement activities, increase transparency, and enhance efficiency, particularly for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). With features like a unique supplier identifier and a ‘Tell Us Once’ system for supplier data, the platform should simplify processes for both suppliers and contracting authorities. However, it does not replace prequalification checks or due diligence.
https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2023/54/contents
Action: To prepare for registration, suppliers should gather essential information, including company details, financial standing, and records of exclusion grounds. However, be aware that while the CDP simplifies data handling through its centralised approach, it does not verify or evaluate supplier qualifications, making it crucial for suppliers to maintain compliance with prequalification standards like the Common Assessment Standard (CHAS Elite) to enhance their eligibility for government tenders.
WORKFORCE CHALLENGES IN CONSTRUCTION Persistent labour shortages remain a significant issue for the sector, with employment in construction 10% below pre-pandemic levels. Brexit has reduced the availability of European workers, while the government seeks to reduce reliance on overseas workers through initiatives like Skills England and changes to the apprenticeship levy. Additionally, new regulations under the Employment Rights Bill will enforce bans on zero-hour contracts, grant flexible working rights, and strengthen union protections.
Action: Employers should explore apprenticeship grants and prepare for upcoming changes to employment laws. Companies employing foreign
https://www.gov.uk/employing-an-apprentice/get-funding
WWW.TOMORROWSHS.COM
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