Responding to today’s announcement from the Construction Industry Training Board (CITB) that it will be suspending levy payments from industry until September, Brian Berry, Chief Executive of the Federation of Master Builders (FMB), said: “The cut in the CITB levy which equates to 25% over a two year period is welcome relief for those building companies struggling in the current climate when many are experiencing lower levels of enquiries and restrictions on their ability to work. The delay in the consensus process is sensible given the added pressures that the construction industry is facing.”
Berry concluded: “It’s important now that the CITB focuses its energy on getting money out of the door to support builders to train, and that they improve communication with SMEs who find it harder than is acceptable to access CITB services. The construction industry still faces a skills crisis, and any future skills plan mustn’t overlook the core role that SMEs play in developing talent, especially as they train over 70% of the industry apprentices.
Notes to editors
The Federation of Master Builders (FMB) is the largest trade association in the UK construction industry representing thousands of firms in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. Established in 1941 to protect the interests of small and medium-sized (SME) construction firms, the FMB is independent and non-profit making, lobbying for members’ interests at both the national and local level.
The FMB is a source of knowledge, professional advice and support for its members, providing a range of modern and relevant business building services to help them succeed. The FMB is committed to raising quality in the construction industry and offers a free Find a Builder service to consumers.
