INDUSTRY COMMENT: BCIA


As the UK begins to transion back to a normal way of life, Terry Sharp, President of the Building Controls Industry Associaon (BCIA), reviews some encouraging news for the sector in the government’s summer statement.


There was at least some positive news for the building controls sector in the government’s Summer Economic Update. The Chancellor Rishi Sunak announced a number of measures that will hopefully get as many people working again, and also keep the UK on track to achieve its net-zero carbon emissions target by 2050.


normal again, although in reality we are long way from getting back to how life was at the start of the year. With businesses implementing strict new safety measures and facemasks becoming a vital item of clothing, we can only hope we are through the worst of it.


T


raffic is on the road again, people are out shopping, the pubs are open and we’ve got some sport back. Things are starting to look


For many people who are still on furlough there is still a lot of worrying uncertainty about what lies ahead for them, especially with the flexible Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme (CJRS) confirmed to be closing at the end of October. We therefore welcome the government’s plan to reward and incentivise employers that bring back employees from furlough and into jobs through to January 2021 with a £1,000 bonus. The announcement of a £2 billion green home grant to support a green-led recovery is also


particularly good news for our sector. From September vouchers will be available to homeowners and landlords to make housing more energy efficient and to create local jobs. The government will cover two thirds of the cost up to £5,000 per


household, and up to £10,000 for those on low incomes. There will also be £1 billion of funding available for developing energy efficiency in public sector building. Many BCIA members will be keen to get back to work and initiatives like this means they’re likely to be in demand sooner rather than later.


Kickstart


The last few months could have had a serious effect on our progress in closing the skills gap but we’ve done our best to maintain our commitment to a bright future for our sector with our online training courses, which were brought in following the lockdown-enforced closure of our Peterborough-based training centre. This should ensure there are no ‘bumps in the road’ further down the line when jobs are coming thick and fast.


Apprenticeships will also play a key role in maintaining the continuity of skilled workers to install and operate the never-ending production line of innovative technology going into buildings in the 21st century. That’s why we should all be encouraged


BSEE Investing in a greener future


by the Kickstart Scheme announced by the government, which will directly pay employers to create new jobs for any 16 to 24-year-old at risk of long-term unemployment. An initial £2 billion will be available to fund the scheme, with no cap on the number of places available. In addition, the government will pay employers £1,000 to take on new trainees, with the aim of tripling the number of level 2 and level 3 courses, at a cost of £100m. There is also extra funding for careers advice. This is something many businesses in the building controls industry will be keen to take advantage of, as it is the next generation of engineers who will be the key drivers in improving the energy efficiency of our built environment.


Finally, we have the BCIA Virtual Awards taking place on Thursday 10 September. To make it a success audience participation is key, so I hope we see many ‘attendees’ dressed up to the nines to make it a special night!


www.bcia.co.uk


Read the latest at: www.bsee.co.uk


BUILDING SERVICES & ENVIRONMENTAL ENGINEER SEPTEMBER 2020 9


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