INDUSTRY UPDATE
BiKBBI – Are foreign workers the answer to filling the KBB Installation skills gap?
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he shortfall in the number of skilled installers able to meet consumer demand is something BIKBBI has long highlighted as a major issue for our industry. For many years, we have been warning of the consequences of not investing in efforts to bring new people into installation, and over the last three to four years we have unfortunately seen some of those consequences. To put it bluntly, there are not enough skilled installers ready to meet consumer demand for KBB installation. This is not only bad news for customers but is bad for all businesses that have a vested interest in the KBB industry, whether that be manufacturers, distributors, retailers, designers or indeed installation businesses. Aside from not having competent and compliant installers available when needed, skills gaps, by their very nature, create opportunities and sadly, opportunities often attract opportunists – and we all know the risk that unscrupulous opportunists present to industries like ours. In the recent Spring Budget, the Government went some way to addressing this challenge by announcing that construction workers are to be added to the Shortage Occupation List (SOL). Whilst this initiative offers a potentially useful short-term fix to KBB businesses specifically operating within construction, or for those employing installers in a PAYE capacity, this does nothing for most of the retrofit market, sub-contracted
relationships or consumers wanting to connect with installation SMEs directly. The relaxation of visa rules will not deliver the much-needed KBB installation enterprise to the UK, nor will it do much to gain back the sheer loss of labour that disappeared back home post Brexit, or replenish the labour that grew old, retired, and left the industry. Foreign workers will bring much-needed skills and capacity, but employers need to consider language barriers, cultural differences, existing UK standards and legislation, as well as potential issues related to workers’ rights and general labour standards. Employers hiring foreign workers through visa programs should ensure that they comply with all applicable labour laws and regulations and provide adequate support and training to help foreign workers integrate into the local workforce – but remember, this is only applicable to employed labour - for those who sub-contract, it is not even an option.
It is also the case that relying on overseas workers is not a long-term solution to the skills gap crisis. To ensure the long-term health of our industry we need to keep the focus on investing in training a new generation of home-grown installers.
That is why BiKBBI is committed to keeping up the momentum with its ground-breaking apprenticeship programme and support package. And it is why the industry needs to get behind it as a matter of urgency. Thus far the number of installation businesses stepping forward to take on an apprentice has been disappointing.
Even with a high demand for work and a simple, low-cost route to take on an apprentice, not enough installers are stepping up. There are probably a few reasons why, from a reluctance to take on additional wage commitments to a lack of understanding about the value of apprentices. As an industry, we all need to think about how these challenges can be overcome.
Damian Walters –CEO, BiKBBI 48 BKU JUNE 2023
KBB retailers urged to make use of marketing tools to promote The Unified Water Label
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he Unified Water Label Association has urged KBB retailers to make full use of the FREE OF CHARGE marketing tools provided by the Unified Water Label Association.
UWLA MD Yvonne Orgill says, “KBB retailers have a wealth of tools readily to help them embrace the ‘water efficiency’ message in the showroom.
“Retailers can demonstrate how much water different products use by inputting product data into the Water Calculator on the website, with more than 17,000 products currently registered, there is no shortage of products for retailers to promote.
“Changing behaviour is key to success, and retailers have a unique opportunity to bring this dialogue to their customers. They are on the front line, able to influence and educate consumers directly on how much water different products use, as well as the consequences of their actions and behaviour in the home once these products are purchased. Changing behaviour is key to success, and retailers have a unique opportunity to bring this dialogue to their customers.
“There is also a marketing pack for retailers which includes a range of tools, flyers, posters, social media posts and videos, with tips and advice on how to save water in the home.
“KBB retailers could also be missing out on commercial gain if they do not fully embrace the water efficiency message. Consumers are more motivated to know more about the benefits of using water wisely, and actively looking for retailers that can give them the information they need to make responsible water-saving choices
“A guide to using the Unified Water Label in the showroom is also underway. This will demonstrate how retailers can display the Unified Water Label whilst maintaining integrity of showroom design. “By supporting the Unified Water Label, a smart solution developed by the industry, retailers will be supporting manufacturers that have developed these products, which can help consumers use less water in the home. Together we can achieve greater visibility in the marketplace, and drive forward significant changes in attitudes to water and energy efficiency.” More information is available from the UWLA website.
www.uwla.eu
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