INDUSTRY NEWS


Workers rejoice as PM relaxes social distancing rules


PRIME Minister Boris Johnson announced on 23 June that, from 4 July, England will enter a new phase in lockdown.


Under the new, more relaxed restrictions called ‘one meter plus’, the public are advised to remain two meters apart wherever possible but will be allowed to be as close as one meter if using ‘mitigation’ (such as face coverings), and be allowed to stay overnight in other households.


Several types of business will also be opening, including pubs, restaurants and hairdressers.


Dan Daintry, co-director of PAL Hire, said: “This news will come as a welcome relief for many ordinary people around the country. For months now we have all been feeling the effects of isolation and social distancing and the ability to go to a pub, get our hair done or attend a wedding will be warmly welcomed as a breath of fresh air.


“In some ways it’s a small step and we still have a way to go before we’re out of the woods. But psychologically it’s an extremely important one, getting everyone that much closer to a life that may have felt impossibly distant.”


WHAT CAN I DO FROM 4 JULY? •


• Social distancing rules will apply from one meter rather than two, although two meters is still recommended where possible.


• •


Two households of any size will be able to meet, indoors or outdoors, although this is not advised for more than two households.


In public, two households can meet regardless of six, although multiple households will only be able to meet in groups of up to six.


• •


Pubs bars and restaurants (although not nightclubs) will be allowed to open, but only with a table service.


Places of worship will open and weddings will be allowed to have up to 30 attendees.


Hair dressers and barbers will be allowed to reopen although protective measures must still be taken.


• Hotels, campsites and caravan parks will be allowed to open.


Construction apprenticeships needed to turbocharge economy, says FMB


CONSTRICTION apprenticeships are needed to turbocharge economic recovery, according to new research published by the Federation of Master Builders (FMB).


The FMB’s report Trading Up looks at the barriers small to medium-sized (SME) employers face to delivering apprenticeships and upskilling. It presents a blueprint for collaboration to unlock additional training opportunities.


Key findings reveal: • 68% of Master Builders are either currently training an apprentice or have done so in the past;


•


Of these, 85% train and recruit 16 to 18-year olds;


• 40% of completed apprentices will stay working for the SME company who trained them for at least three years.


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The report makes a series of recommendations, which include: •


The Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education to scale-up construction SME-targeted advertising as part of the ‘Fire it Up’ campaign;


•


The Department for Education should ringfence funding for colleges to recruit an Industry Liaison Officer who will create and foster relationships with local employers;


•


The Construction Industry Training Board (CITB) should focus on improving communication with SMEs and other stakeholders on a local level and upgrade the financial and administrative support that is available to them.


Brian Berry, chief executive of the FMB, said: “Putting local builders at the heart


of apprenticeship development and training will unlock additional high- quality opportunities for young people and help Britain get back on its feet. We need an army of builders to help deliver the new homes that this country desperately needs. They will also upgrade our existing homes to make them more energy efficient and fit for purpose in the years ahead.”


Arthur McArdle, National President of the FMB and Director of Woodfield Building Services, said: “Master Builders are passionate about creating high-quality apprenticeship opportunities for the next generation. For the most part this is because builders start out as apprentices themselves. I am calling on my fellow members of the FMB to commit to training where they can.”

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