Working in the construction industry always seemed to be a guaranteed career path; people would always need roads, offices, houses, bridges, institutions and many other structures, therefore there would always be gainful employment for construction workers. But this positive outlook on a career in construction failed to factor in a major economical downturn. Thanks to… Read More »
Although construction work increasingly uses a range of powerful and sophisticated equipment to get the job done efficiently, it is still down to people to do the actual work. The human element is still responsible for doing the manual work as well as operating all the machinery. And it’s human beings who plan, manage and… Read More »
If you are a self employed UK construction worker it is likely that you will be eligible for a construction tax refund. HMRC (Her Majesty’s Revenue and Customs) does not take into account any expenses you may have built up during your last taxable period: and it is also possible that you may have had… Read More »
What we know as British summer time, (originally known as daylight saving time), was pioneered and promoted by an English Builder called William Willett (1856 – 1915). It is said that the idea came to him whilst riding his horse in Petts Wood near his home in Chislehurst in Kent early one summer morning and… Read More »
It is very easy to get caught up in the pursuit of Construction NVQ and CSCS Card to the extent that one does not adequately plan for life after retirement. Getting a good construction job is no doubt important – but a good job alone does not guarantee that your sunset years will be financially… Read More »
Did you know that not having a CSCS card that is relative to your occupational area within the Construction Industry, could affect any claim that you make, for any injury incurred at work, against any Insurance policy that you may have in place. The reasoning behind this possibility is: Being in possession of a current CSCS… Read More »
Over half the current workforce in the Construction Industry are self-employed although legally, up to 300,000 should be classified as employees, according to HM Revenue and Customs. They get no holiday pay, sick or redundancy pay, won`t get job seekers` allowance if laid off or even a full state pension, and their bosses escape paying… Read More »
Construction Skills, the awarding body for the Industry, operate a levy and grand system that allows funding for up skilling of individuals within the Industry. Each operative who is engaged with a Company who are registered to the Levy scheme can be partly funded for the acquisition of 5 separate accreditations which can include 2… Read More »
The Government has accepted the Low Pay Commission’s recommendations for this year`s national minimum wage (NMW) rates. The following rates will come into effect on 1 October 2011. For Adults: £6.08 an hour (15p increase) For 18-20 year olds: £4.98 an hour (6p increase) For 16-17 year olds: £3.68 an hour (4p increase) For apprentices:… Read More »
Once you have started your construction career and achieved the Red CSCS Card (Trainee), where do you go next? Unless you are looking at labouring, or doing a site job that requires only basic skills – in which case you will be awarded a Green CSCS Card for Site Operatives, through NVQ Level 1 or… Read More »