Construction workers set for wage boost as new pay deal agreed

Construction workers operating under the Construction Industry Joint Council (CIJC) agreement are set for a boost in pay and allowances next month after a new two year pay deal worth 6.2 per cent was recently agreed.

The CIJC is the largest agreement in the construction industry and principally covers workers operating in civil engineering and the so-called biblical trades (carpenters, bricklayers and painters).

3.2 per cent increase this year

The agreement signed by Unite and the GMB will see pay rates increase by an inflation beating 3.2 per cent from Monday 25 June. The pay increase will mean that the minimum rate for craft workers (including carpenters, bricklayers and painters) is £12.31 an hour, with the general operative (labourer) minimum rate increasing to £9.26 an hour. Pay rates will increase by a further 2.9 per cent from Monday 24 June 2019.

The travel allowance will increase in line with the percentage rise in pay rates, the (tax free) fare allowance will increase in line with inflation however lodging allowances will increase by nearly eight (7.8) per cent to £40 a night in 2018 and will then increase by inflation in 2019, which is in line with other construction agreements.

Industry sick pay extended

Industry sick pay is to be increased and extended. It will rise to £130 per week (paid in addition to statutory sick pay) an increase of 6.1 per cent and it will now be paid for 13 weeks, an increase on the 10 weeks it is currently paid for.

The industry death benefit, paid via the B&CE, will increase from £32,000 to £40,000. If a worker is killed at work or travelling to and from work their family receives double that amount.

There has also been a significant increase of 6.5 per cent in the payment for first year apprentices who will receive £5.50 an hour, it is hoped that the increased rate will attract a greater number of new entrants into the industry.

Strong step in right direction

Unite national officer for construction Jerry Swain said “This deal is a strong step in the right direction and will give construction workers a well-deserved pay increase.

“The increases in allowances and other benefits, underline the value of working under an industrial agreement and being part of collective bargaining arrangements.

“Over the next two years we will be working to further strengthen the agreement and ensure that it is brought into line with other agreements in all matters and is seen as relevant on major construction sites.

“Construction workers need to remain vigilant that employers actually pay the agreed pay rates. Too often in construction employers try to boost their profits by failing to pay agreed increases.”

GMB national officer Ross Murdoch added “Given the current climate in the wider construction industry and overall economic climate, this deal is both a recognition of a hard-working, highly-skilled workforce and a demonstration of real commitment to maintaining meaningful joint national industrial agreement.”

“As further significant construction projects emerge over the next few years, this deal offers genuine hope of retaining the much needed skills for the industry, as well as attracting new apprentices, with the percentage uplift for apprentice rates further reinforcing the importance of this latter point.”

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Kingspan Exhibits at FIREX

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Two divisions of the global building materials manufacturer Kingspan Group will be sharing their extensive knowledge and expertise at FIREX International this June.

The exhibition, which takes place at ExCeL London, runs from 19th – 21st June and will bring together experts from across the industry to demonstrate and discuss the latest life safety solutions and share best practice when it comes to fire safety. Located on stand A590, both Kingspan Insulated Panels and Kingspan Insulation will be showcasing a variety of products, solutions and services which will help contractors and specifiers to meet requirements. The stand will also host a live simulation of a roofer’s torch test similar to ISO 11925-3 (Reaction to fire tests: Ignitability of building products subjected to direct impingement of flame) at intervals throughout the show.

Kingspan’s expert technical and sales teams will be on hand throughout the three-day event to answer any questions visitors may have and provide up-to-date information.

Kingspan are also sponsoring the first day of the 5th International Tall Building Fire Safety Conference, which is running alongside the FIREX Exhibition. Technical Director at Kingspan Insulated Panels, UK & Ireland, Tony Ryan, will be delivering a talk on Fire Testing of Tall Building Façade Systems on 19th June.

Kingspan Insulated Panels Website: www.kingspan.com/gb/en-gb/about-kingspan/kingspan-insulated-panels/fire-safety
Kingspan Insulation Website: https://www.kingspan.com/gb/en-gb/products/insulation/kingspan-insight/fire
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Atkinson & Kirby launches its new flooring ranges

Leading flooring specialist, Atkinson & Kirby launches its new trend led flooring ranges, including Homeland, Winter Desert, Organic Future and Modern Revival.

The first trend, Homeland, encapsulates the growing desire to embrace history in a contemporary lifestyle. This trend is about stripping things back, colours are mid to dark wood tones, materials are concrete, and timber and finishes are weathered.

Winter Desert focuses on handcraft and authentic design, featuring earthy natural tones and deep textures. Conversely, Organic Future’s tones are light oak, ash and maple with strong dark wood contrasts, smooth mattes and chalked greys.

Finally, Modern Revival is all about looking back, taking the best of past design, featuring patterns such as herringbone and chevron.

Zara Prescott, Communications Executive, said “We are very excited to showcase our new flooring ranges. Trends are constantly evolving and moving forward, so it’s our job to seek out the next big thing. Our new trend led ranges give homeowners a wide variety of style and designs to choose from, whilst maintaining the high quality and value our customers expect.”

For more information on Atkinson & Kirby and the range of products available, call 01695 573234 or simply visit www.akirby.co.uk
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Sparkies most essential trade for preserving Britain’s heritage

Sparkies, chippies and painters might not be the first trades that come to mind when you think about the preservation of Britain’s historic buildings, but according new research from the UK’s leading insurer of Grade I listed buildings, Ecclesiastical they are the most important.

Chippies (61%), painters (60%), roofers (58%) and plasterers (53%) were also seen as key trades while more traditional heritage skills such as stonemasonry, thatching and ironmongery were felt to be the most at risk.

According to the survey, 90% of heritage property owners believe that investing in skills is crucial for the future of Britain’s heritage with one in three property owners saying that they found it difficult to source skilled tradespeople to work on their properties. Almost half said they are concerned about increasing costs of hiring them.

Faith Parish, heritage director for Ecclesiastical commented “Many historic properties are having to find new income streams to help cover the costs associated with running and maintaining these properties. We have seen an increase in new activities such as exhibitions, festivals and coffee shops or restaurants, and these kinds of activities often require additional power sources or the installation of new equipment, so it’s not too surprising to see electricians at the top of the list.”

“Research from Historic England’s Heritage Counts 2017 publication showed a decade long decline in students signing up for heritage related construction courses and, with an estimated 10% of those currently working in the UK construction industry coming from Europe, the situation could worsen post Brexit.” Faith added.

The concern was reflected in Ecclesiastical’s own research which showed that, amongst heritage property owners, 42% were worried about the current shortage of skills in the UK, while 52% were concerned about the longer term impact and availability of skilled tradesmen in ten years’ time.

Property owners are so concerned that they are willing to actively support a campaign to invest in skills, in fact more than half (55%) would willingly make their property available for the training of skilled people and nearly two-third (59%) would help create opportunities for apprentices to work at their properties.

“When it comes to heritage properties regular maintenance is incredibly important, a small issue can cause immense damage if left unchecked. Leaking pipes can lead to whole ceilings collapsing, blocked guttering can cause water to seep in to the building and outdated or faulty wiring can be a fire risk.” Faith explained.

However, it’s not just the history and beauty of these buildings that needs preserving. According to Historic England’s Heritage Counts 2017 report the heritage sector employs 278,000 people and contributes £16.4 billion to the UK economy through domestic and international tourism plus a further £9.6 billion via the construction industry by means of repair and maintenance bills.

“Many historic properties have a long term maintenance schedule that stretches over many years, so jobs that are being done today will need to be redone in ten or twenty years’ time to preserve the integrity of the building. A shortfall in the supply of skilled tradespeople to implement this schedule could leave some properties vulnerable. It is therefore crucial that we invest in skills now to ensure that there are enough skilled tradespeople in the future to continue to care for these buildings.”

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Government must change how it works with construction post-Carillion

The Government must learn from Carillion by enforcing fair payment and opening up public sector contracts to smaller firms, according to the Federation of Master Builders (FMB).

Commenting on the joint report on Carillion from the Work and Pensions and Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy Select Committees, Brian Berry, Chief Executive of the FMB, said “It’s the small firms in Carillion’s supply chain that bore the brunt of the giant’s demise earlier this year. The Government now has a unique opportunity to completely change how it works with the private sector. For too long, many large firms have reigned supreme and walked all over their supply chains. MPs are right to note that “measures that Government has taken to improve the business environment, such as the Prompt Payment Code, have proved wholly ineffective.” As a signatory of the Government’s Prompt Payment Code, Carillion should have paid 95 per cent of invoices within 60 days. However, Carillion enforced standard payment terms of 120 days to its suppliers and we know of FMB members that have had to wait for more than 200 days to be paid by major contractors. A company that was so flagrantly breaking the rules should not have been rewarded by the Government with juicy contract after juicy contract.”

“The collapse of Carillion created a ‘domino effect’ among sub-contractors. We know of firms that have lost more than £200,000 since the collapse and of others that were so reliant on Carillion contracts, they’ve gone out of business entirely. Once a company at the top of a chain goes under it creates a ripple effect. In this instance, however, the ripple has been more like a tsunami because of the extent to which the Government relied on this single company. At present, there is nothing in place to ensure another Carillion doesn’t happen again.”

“This report is welcome but we now want to see root-and-branch reform in terms of how the Government procures from the private sector. The Government should exclude suppliers from major Government procurements if they do not demonstrate fair, effective and responsible payment practices. The Government should also end retentions abuse by ensuring that retentions are held in a deposit scheme. Finally, the Government must also make greater efforts to work directly with small firms by breaking larger contracts down into smaller lots. That way, not only will the Government spread its risk, it will also reap the benefits that come from procuring a greater proportion of its work from a broad range of small companies. Small companies reinvest profits into the local economy and in construction, small firms train two thirds of all apprentices. Ensuring SMEs win a higher proportion of public sector contracts makes sense on every level.”

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Ariston water heaters combine efficiency and ease of use

(Image left to right: Andris Lux Eco, Andris Lux and ST 100)

Ariston’s extensive range of hot water heaters are suitable for a wide array of applications, with the company offering unvented and vented products – each of which are easy to install and operate. All Ariston water heaters boast an incredibly high-quality construction, utilising copper heating elements for advanced durability. Plus, the premium units in the range also benefit from the latest technology for optimum energy efficiency.

The flagship product in Ariston’s hot water portfolio is the Andris Lux Eco. This small unvented electric water heater encompasses leading Italian design, energy efficiency, durability, usability and safety. This premium model also boasts new features, including anti-legionella and anti-overheating functions.

Available in 10, 15 and 30-litre models, each with a 2.5kW element, Andris Lux Eco is perfect for a variety of locations, including commercial properties, building sites, kitchens, bathrooms or offices.

Complementing the Andris Lux Eco is its sister product, the Andris Lux. Another compact electric water heater, this unit is fully compliant with the latest ErP legislation (with units rated up to ‘A’ class), and available in three over-sink and four under-sink versions respectively. The 2kW and 3kW under-sink models have capacities of 10 and 15 litres, while the 3kW over-sink units are available with capacities of 10, 15 and 30 litres.

Elsewhere, Ariston’s water heating range also includes the 5L Piccolo – a wall mounted electric point of use unit, ideal for occasional use areas, such as kitchens, loft conversions and cloak rooms where there is limited space.

Finally, another option perfect for areas with limited space is the wall-hung ST 100. Compact and powerful, this 100-litre cylinder provides hot water at mains pressure. Compact, functional and long-lasting, the unit features an anti-corrosion system that further ensures durability.

 

Commenting on the range, Alex Boweren, Product Manager at Ariston, said “Our hot water heaters have been developed with end user comfort and reliability in mind, while complying with all necessary standards and legislation. Plus, thanks to extensive research and development, our premium units even have the capability to prevent legionella from forming, giving it additional health and safety credentials. So, with a wide range of sizes and capacities available, there is a water product available for any type of project.”

Ariston Thermo UK, which is part of the Ariston Thermo Group, is a manufacturer of domestic heating, hot water and renewable products. With over 20 years of experience in the UK, Ariston Thermo is a worldwide leading company in the heating and water heating industry.

For more details about Ariston and its range of boilers, controls, water heaters and other products, visit: www.ariston.co.uk. Follow @AristonUK on Twitter.
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New specification role for AWMS Skyline & Rainwater

AWMS, the leading manufacturer of rain to drain water management solutions, expands its specification team with the appointment of Michael Barnes.

Michael joins the business as National Account & Specification Manager for Rainwater and Skyline. With 19 years’ experience in building product sales and specifically rainwater management, he brings in-depth knowledge and experience to the business. His role will include liaising with major building contractors and architects, and delivering CPDs for the two brands. He will also be working on expanding AWMS’ approved installer scheme.

Michael comments: “You could say I have rainwater running through my veins! Over the last 14 years I’ve worked for Marshall Tufflex, Polypipe, and Fullflow Siphonic rainwater systems. So my new position at AWMS joins up all the dots of my previous roles and my experience fits like a glove. I’m excited to join the team and look forward to driving new opportunities for the business and leading the growth of its installer scheme.”

Alumasc Rainwater is the No.1 ‘all metal’ rainwater brand for architectural and specification markets. From cutting edge-contemporary to traditional heritage, our Aluminium, Cast Iron and Steel rainwater is BBA accredited and manufactured to the highest standard for strength, long life and durability. Our wide choice of colours and bespoke designs ensure the perfect solution for your next building project.

Skyline high-performance fascia, soffits and copings fit with all styles of architecture and work seamlessly with Alumasc Rainwater. The range is manufactured from in-house BBA certified powder-coated aluminium to any RAL or BSS colour, and comes a with 25 years life expectancy. All our products are 100% recyclable.

For more information on Alumasc Water Management Solutions (AWMS), visit www.alumascwms.co.uk or call 01536 383 810. Follow on twitter @AlumascWMS.
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Rinnai’s Infinity hot water heating range – ideal for LPG use

Rinnai offers what is said to be the most energy efficient and cost-effective range of LPG-compatible A-rated eco-labelled continuous flow hot water heating products for any type of site or application.

The Rinnai Infinity range includes the 16i (36.8kW output giving 16 litres of useable hot per minute) and the 17e for external mounting (29.7kW output giving 17 litres of hot water per minute) – condensing models within the range can deliver up to 107% net thermal efficiency.

For heavy-duty applications the Infinity HDC1600i/e produces the lowest NOx emissions on the market – below 20 ppm NOx. The HDC1600i Low NOx can boost thermal efficiency up to 108% (based on net calorific value) and can keep to more than 97% even in the minimal heat LPG.

The Infinity HDC1200 models also achieve energy performance of 107% net thermal efficiency while the larger HDC1500 internal and external models turn in 105% net thermal efficiency.

The Rinnai Infinity Low NOx HD55i internal water heater is a room sealed, wall hung, LPG or natural gas fired continuous flow water heater. Capable of supplying in excess of 780 litres @ 50ºC degrees rise per hour, while producing less than 20 ppm NOx, this unit combines environmental cost efficiencies and quality product offering. Up to 25 units can be cascaded to supply any specification.

LPG users can also take advantage of Rinnai’s Bespoke Package Design, created to provide better on-site efficiency and is supplied to site in bundles. The package also includes scale protection options to maximise system efficiency.

Another innovation from Rinnai is the Infinity Solo condensing low NOX water heater – this is the first Rinnai product for the UK to combine the advanced technology of its wall mounted continuous flow water heaters with a stainless-steel storage cylinder in one compact unit, boosting recovery rates of as little as 19 minutes and low standing losses. This system is ideal for light commercial requirements where services limit the use of continuous flow.

Comments Chris Goggin, Associate Director, Rinnai UK: “Contractors, Installers, site owners and end users can rest assured that these units, when used with LPG, offer the best energy savings and performance available for a hot water system. LPG is one of the most energy efficient forms of fuel available now, and our units take full advantage of their benefits.”

For more information on the RINNAI product range visit www.rinnaiuk.com

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Opening the door to contemporary colour

A new approach to creating beautiful designer doors with an original colour aesthetic is now possible thanks to the new W-Tec 3D+ hinge by SFS.

This ground-breaking hinge allows designers to rethink the visual impact of the hinge within the doorset, providing the option to colour contrast for bold aesthetics, or harmonise the hinge’s colour to complement the door and frame.

European designed and built, W-Tec 3D+ is a highly engineered premium quality hinge which offers unparalleled levels of stability and three-dimensional mechanical adjustability to enable precise installation and long-term reliability. It can also be used for fire doors with a rating of up to 60 minutes, subject to appropriate doorset testing.

It is the perfect solution for aesthetically-led heavyweight timber doors up to 200kg in weight which are fitted into timber or steel frames and are typically suited to high-end commercial, hospitality and residential applications. The scope of applications for doorsets built with W-Tec 3D+ hinges is expanding all the time, with luxury hotels in Mallorca and Turkey just two of the projects which are already benefiting.

SFS manufactures W-Tec 3D+ hinges in any RAL colour to deliver a visually stunning result in contrast or for colour match. Two versions are available for standard and slim doors, both providing reliable stability and durability through SFS’s unique patented 7-axis kinematic mechanism. This utilises three levers to handle the weight of the door in an innovative way which keeps the door straight and prevents elliptical movement when opening and closing. The result is minimum wear and tear, even when door closers are fitted, over a long service life.

W-Tec 3D+ is part of a range of high performance door hinges by SFS which provide solutions for every kind of door. This includes the Easy 3D hinge, a stainless steel hinge range that is popular amongst timber door manufacturers and installers across Europe because of the high degree of mechanically adjustability it offers in three dimensions whilst fitted in situ.

For PVC-U, aluminium and composite doors, SFS is renowned for its Dynamic hinge ranges which help create high performance rebated doorsets thanks to their profile-specific sash plates.

Find out more about the SFS door hinges range at www.sfsintec.co.uk.
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Comar 7P.i LS+ It’s a Lift Slide Life for Us

Now it’s time to lift and slide our product range with Comar 7P.i LS+. Innovative lift and slide gearing provides smooth operation for door configurations up to 12 metres wide and 3 metres high, creating true glazed sliding walls. From one system Comar 7P.i LS+ provides delivered solutions, for the summer months maximise the opening space with the three-track slider which creates two thirds clear opening, whilst in the winter the lowest U-values keep out the cold.

Innovation comes from Comar 7P.i LS+ offering unique solutions from one system, which means that with the same profiles you can provide lift slide or straight rolling gear, standard or slim interlock, enhanced performance with the inclusion of thermal foam and double or triple track configurations.

Optional slim interlocks maximise the homeowners view out when the doors are in the closed position keeping the slim sightlines of Comar 7P.i LS+ doors with the reassurance of the lowest U-values, so even in the coldest winter months daylighting is maximised and warmth assured. For a standard CEN size set of doors U-values are down to 1.4 with a 1.0 centre pane and using glass technology and Comar’s Enhanced Thermal Foam U-values of 0.74 are achievable.

The real advantage of this system is it’s smooth and easy lift operation, it’s ease of operation for sliding doors means that there is no alternative; it really is a lift slide life for all members of the family. Another advantage is the ability to lock the door in an open position anywhere along the track which means that the homeowner can open the door for ventilation without the risk of small children and toddlers exiting the doors.

For our fabricator and trade partners, Comar Systems utilises multi-function profiles which means that from a minimum stock all configurations of this feature laden system can be fabricated. Installers with the unique Comar Easyfit components minimise time on site and disruption to the home owner whilst maximising returns.

The Comar 7P.i Lift and Slide was developed to ensure a highly engineered solution that offers market leading performance. Feedback from the UKAS Accredited Test House was “it is the best they’d ever seen”, as it passed BS6375 Parts 1, 2 and 3 with no water leakage at 1050Pa. The hardware, has been tested to over 50,000 open and closing cycles.

As Secured by Design is now being incorporated into some region’s Planning conditions and BREEAM Assessments, Comar 7P.i LS+ passed the new stringent PAS24:2016 and holds a Kitemark for Enhanced Security to enable sub-contractors to provide an SBD Licensed product to discerning customers.

Glazing technology advances every day with new triple glazed units providing ever lower centre pane values, acoustic glasses to meet enhanced performance criteria are widely specified, Comar 7P.i LS+ now provides a future proof solution with a glazing pocket of up to 57mm. With a simple change of gasket and beads the Comar 7P.i LS+ provides this flexible solution for all your glazing needs.

For further information please contact Team Comar on projects@parksidegroup.co.uk, call 020 8685 2318 or visit www.comar-alu.co.uk.
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