Happy New Year! Brexit, Lockdown, SOP alert and more news from your Federation No images? Click here Dear NFDC Members, NFDC would like to take this opportunity to wish you all a Happy, Healthy New Year. As we all expected, then received the Prime Minister's confirmations during last night's address, it's going to be another tough and strange year of restrictions and challenges as the nation enters Lockdown 3 and continues to battle against the new strain of Covid. At least with the Brexit deal now done, there is some certainty and positivity for the UK going forward. Similarly, in Scotland, First Minister Nicola Sturgeon was first out of the gate in introducing new lockdown restrictions for the region - construction continues. The Scotland 'stay at home' message will remain in place until at least the end of January 2021. Further information about the Scotland Lockdown can be found here with the updated Scottish Government Coronavirus Stay at Home Guidance, effective 5th January, here. At NFDC, we will strive to bring you news bulletins as the 2021 story unfolds with as much regularity and detail as we can. Stay Safe, SITE OPERATING PROCEDURES UPDATE PENDING The Site Operating Procedures will be updated later this week to reflect the latest Government guidance in England. As construction can continue during lockdown, the changes will be minor, including updated information on self‐isolation and shielding and the removal of the requirement to display a QR code in site canteens. NFDC will issue the new guidance as soon as it becomes available from CLC.
BREXIT - FINALLY A DEAL IS DONE The long awaited agreement covers issues from fishing and aviation, to civil nuclear cooperation and security and protection, but more importantly for the industry, tariff free trade of goods. The news allows a certain amount of certainty for Construction Companies, who will now be able to predict the cost and availability of goods being imported, without being hit with increased costs on a project, later down the line. Under the new points‐based immigration system from 1 January 2021, businesses recruiting from outside the UK need to obtain a sponsor licence and all workers from overseas require a visa. Neither of these requirements applies to Irish citizens and employers can continue to accept the passports and national identity cards of EU citizens (or the Home Office issued digital status) as evidence of their right to work in the UK until 30 June 2021. So far the new Trade Deal which came into effect on 1st January 2021 appears to have allayed the fears of many within the Construction Industry with positive comments from the Construction Leadership Council (CLC), Federation of Master Builders and National Federation of Builders (NFB), who can be quoted as saying "This deal delivers certainty at a time when it is needed most and represents a good day for British construction.” Naturally, there will be some disruption during the transition period and more information and understanding is required. NFDC will endeavour to keep you informed and is here to support you and your businesses during this time of change. NEW VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARDS COMING TO LONDON Despite being plunged into another National Lockdown, construction work can continue and therefore Members should be aware of new vehicle safety standards coming into effect in Greater London from March 1st. TfL shared the following update directly with NFDC to disseminate to all Members. A new HGV Safety Permit based on the new Direct Vision Standard (DVS) is required for all HGVs over 12 tonnes driving within Greater London. DVS is a key part of the Mayor of London’s Vision Zero plan to eliminate all deaths and serious injuries on London's streets. Please be aware that:
TfL are also keen to receive feedback from NFDC Members to ascertain your readiness to comply with these changes. Would you take 3 minutes to answer 3 short questions via a simple online survey? The Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme (CBILS) extended to 31st March 2021 with no interest for the first 12 months or upfront fees. CBILS was launched by the Government, through the British Business Bank in 2020, to provide finance products at preferential rates for small and larger SMEs with a turnover up to £45m, to support them through the COVID-19 crisis. Their extension can now provide a much-needed cash injection for companies in 2021 to allow them to strengthen cashflow, giving flexibility to plan and adapt the business during uncertain times. It can be used for Asset finance, refinance and /or business loans. Key points include:
Asset Funder is a CBILS accredited broker with access to a range of lenders and will be happy to work with you to find the best package. We can also provide guidance if you already have a Bounce Back Loan or CBILS and are looking for additional funding. To find out more visit our website or call us on 0800 999 6962. NFDC YEARBOOK 2021 COMING SOON The digital release of NFDC Yearbook 2021 is imminent, with the A4 hardback collectible copy set for delivery to the Federation's distribution list over the next few weeks. The book, which also commemorates 80 years since NFDC's foundation, is packed with topical features and also includes the Directory of Corporate and ISP Members as of December 2020. |